Mysterious abduction of Algerian influencer deepens France-Algeria tensions

Thursday 14 August 2025 - 08:30

The abduction of prominent Algerian influencer Amir Boukhors, known online as Amir DZ, continues to strain diplomatic ties between France and Algeria more than a year after the incident. The bizarre case, involving fake police officers, tranquilizers, and murky political motives, has drawn attention from both governments.

Boukhors was kidnapped in the Paris suburbs during the night of April 29–30, 2024, by four men posing as police officers. He was held for nearly 27 hours before being released in a forest. According to his account, he was drugged, questioned about an alleged drug shipment in Amsterdam, and told he would be taken to Spain.

The French judiciary has since issued an international arrest warrant for a former Algerian embassy official, reportedly a member of Algerian intelligence (DGDSE) operating under diplomatic cover. At least seven others, including a consulate employee, have been indicted.

France’s domestic intelligence agency, DGSI, described the operation as connected to terrorist motives, though the reasons behind the abduction remain unclear.

Boukhors, 41, is a political refugee in France since 2023 and has long described himself as an anti-system journalist exposing corruption within Algeria’s elite. He claims to have been threatened for years and blames Algerian authorities for orchestrating his kidnapping.

A divisive figure

Amir DZ’s online presence is massive—millions follow his content criticizing President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and other top officials. His videos regularly go viral, stirring both admiration and controversy. While supporters see him as a truth-teller, critics argue he is more opportunist than journalist.

Algerian courts have issued multiple arrest warrants against him, including charges of defamation, inciting unrest, and links to the banned Rachad movement. Though Boukhors denies these allegations, Algerian security sources claim he has been sentenced to life in prison for endangering state security.

Experts suggest the abduction may not be solely about silencing dissent. According to analyst Ali Bensaad, these influencers often serve as pawns in internal power struggles between Algerian political factions. “They’re not true opposition figures,” he argues, “but mouthpieces for rival groups within the regime.”

The timing—just months before Algeria’s 2024 presidential election—suggests the kidnapping may have been part of a broader effort to intimidate voices undermining Tebboune’s re-election bid. Two days prior, another influencer was reportedly targeted in a similar operation.

While Boukhors insists on his independence, the murky nature of his sources and the high-level secrets he reveals continue to raise questions. Still, his kidnapping has now become more than a scandal—it’s a diplomatic flashpoint in an already fragile relationship between Paris and Algiers.