The CEO of Tunisair, Khaled Chelli, along with the head of its internal union, Najmeddine Mzoughi have been arrested as part of an investigation that began on corruption charges.
Tunisair Corruption
The arrest comes about 4 months after Kais Saied, Tunisia’s President called for investigations into corruption within the airline. According to local media reports, they were both arrested on July 31st, 2024, following the investigation.
Mzoughi, accused of falsifying diplomas, pimping, and corruption also allegedly interfered with the airline’s recruitment process, taking bribes and unspecified sums of money for recruitment and promotions.
Seven other unidentified individuals could also be charged with abusing power, forgery, falsifying documents, and taking bribes within the company. Tunisair’s recruitment process has come under heavy scrutiny, with several employees being investigated as far back as April 2024.
Corruption Investigation
Tunisia’s President met with the Tunisair CEO and other officials during a surprise visit to the airline’s hub at Tunis-Carthage International Airport in early April. It was during this visit that the President called for an investigation into corruption in Tunisair.
The President questioned the sale of an aircraft in 2017 without return customs authorisation as Tunisair operated the aircraft until 2014 but it is now in the United States. Saied also called for a look into the export of aircraft parts without their actual value.
Saied also found several irregularities in the company’s recruitment process, and about 130 employees and executives were suspected of holding fake diplomas.
Local media also reported that the probe into Tunisair was part of a more extensive recruitment audit in Tunisian public institutions.
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