Tindouf Camps Infravest Scandal Raises Questions Over Polisario Finances, Wilson Lalengke Calls for Camp Closure

The collapse of investment firm Infravest has reportedly left residents, traders and local cooperatives demanding the return of funds, while allegations of a Ponzi-style scheme raise fresh questions over financial oversight in the Tindouf refugee camps.

GENEVA — The collapse of Infravest for Contracting and Investment has triggered renewed scrutiny over financial activities in the Tindouf refugee camps in Algeria, with reports alleging that residents, traders and local cooperatives lost substantial amounts of money following the company’s failure.

According to reports published in September 2026, Infravest had operated in the camps since 2022 under the direction of Sallamou Abba Ali. The company’s collapse reportedly prompted residents in the Rabouni and Chahid El Hafed areas to demand the return of their funds.

The amount involved has been reported at around 886 million Algerian dinars, equivalent to approximately US$6.6 million. However, the exact amount of losses, the company’s financial structure and the circumstances surrounding its collapse have not been independently established and require investigation by competent authorities.

Reports have described the alleged business model as resembling a Ponzi or pyramid scheme. Infravest was reportedly able to build local visibility through investment, construction-related activities and cultural sponsorship before attracting funds from residents and other local participants.

The case has also raised questions about how a financial operation could allegedly collect funds for several years in an area subject to tight administrative and security controls.

Some reports have alleged possible links between the company’s activities and individuals within the Polisario leadership. Those allegations, however, remain allegations and have not been established through an independent investigation. Reports have called for greater scrutiny of the financial channels operating inside the camps and for an independent examination of the claims.

The controversy has also revived wider concerns over transparency in the delivery and management of humanitarian assistance for Sahrawi refugees. Among the measures being called for are independent audits, verification of beneficiary data and stronger oversight of humanitarian funds.

Wilson Lalengke, President of the Indonesia-Morocco Sahara Brotherhood (Persaudaraan Indonesia Sahara Maroko/Persisma), expressed concern over the reported financial losses and the situation of residents in the camps.

“I am deeply saddened and concerned to learn that our brothers and sisters among the refugees in the Tindouf camps are living in conditions that are dangerous, vulnerable and susceptible to exploitation by irresponsible individuals,” Wilson Lalengke said in Jakarta on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

He argued that humanitarian assistance should not become vulnerable to alleged financial abuse and called for stronger international oversight of the camps.

“The international community can no longer turn a blind eye or simply provide assistance that ultimately risks being misused. The fundamental solution is to end the Tindouf camps permanently and return the refugees to their homeland in the Sahara,” Lalengke said.

Lalengke further called on international institutions, including the United Nations, to strengthen mechanisms protecting refugees and ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries.

He also urged international institutions and donor countries to examine allegations concerning the management of humanitarian funds and to ensure that any proven violations are addressed through appropriate legal mechanisms.

Meanwhile, reports concerning the Infravest case have stressed that the financial figures and the precise nature of the alleged scheme still need to be established through an independent investigation.

The case therefore puts two issues under renewed scrutiny: the protection of vulnerable residents from financial fraud and the transparency of financial and humanitarian assistance mechanisms operating in the Tindouf camps.

PERSISMA/Red