Adel Oaudfel

Adel Oaudfel was born in Algeria on December 20, 1973. He was charged under Article 270 bis of the Italian Penal Code for his association with others, including Halimi Djaelloul, Toubal Abdelkader, Khellili Fatah, and Yahiaou Abdelmadjid, in creating a logistical support network for the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC). This organization was functionally connected to the international terrorist organization al-Qaeda, with the primary aim of executing acts of violence against the Algerian state and pursuing international terrorism.
Adel faced additional charges relating to multiple actions executed under a single criminal design, in conjunction with Khellili Fatah and Yahiaou Abdelmadjid, as well as other unidentified individuals. These charges involve the counterfeiting of numerous identity documents, including passports, driver’s licenses, and residence permits, by affixing false seals from public authorities responsible for their issuance. Furthermore, he was charged under Article 648 for receiving or purchasing forms for identity cards and genuine documents obtained through criminal means, intending to counterfeit them for personal profit and that of others.
The criminal activities attributed to Adel took place across various Italian cities, including Naples, Caserta, Vicenza, and Milan, from November 11, 2001, until September 30, 2003. His involvement was connected to an Islamic terrorist organization operating mainly in Italy, particularly in the regions of Naples, Aversa, Milan, and Vicenza, from October 2001 to June 2005. This cell, originating from the disintegration of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), was primarily focused on recruitment, procuring false documents, and raising funds for its activities.
Investigations revealed extensive operational dimensions, largely through phone and environmental interceptions, indicating that the organization was deeply rooted in Algeria. This group has long engaged in violent opposition to Algerian state institutions, resorting to acts of terrorism intended to spread fear among the population. The organization exhibits a complex structure that is only partially reflected in various names such as FIS, GIA, and GSPC, with operational links extending beyond Algeria to countries like Italy, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. These cells were tasked with consolidating support from Algerian expatriates, securing financial resources, recruiting personnel for Algeria, and establishing safe houses for individuals involved in combat or facing judicial actions in their home countries. These cells did not operate as autonomous organizations; instead, they were parts of a unified structure, contributing to a transnational entity with a cohesive agenda centered around waging a holy war against perceived apostates and non-believers.
The GIA-GSPC cell was formed in Naples, where it maintained its operational center. From this base, funds raised in various Italian cities were transferred to Algeria to support jihadist fighters through a coordinated transport system between Naples and Marseille. Additionally, base documents were sourced in Naples, which were then utilized by forgers to create false identity papers for both domestic and international distribution. Another crucial activity undertaken by the cell involved procuring propaganda materials to incite and prepare for Islamic jihad among Muslims residing in Italy.
Intercepted conversations revealed discussions about a “national reconciliation” initiative, which appeared to suggest an amnesty for militants labeled as illegal by Algerian authorities. Some factions within the organization expressed a willingness to negotiate with authorities, while a more hardline faction based in Milan consistently rejected any notion of compromise, advocating for the violent assertion of radical Islamic principles.
In 2011, the prosecutor sought a six-year prison sentence for Adel. However, he was acquitted by the Court of Assizes in Naples of the charges attributed to him under Article 270 bis for lack of evidence. Additionally, he was also acquitted under Article 648 as the court determined that the facts did not exist.