Ouaihid Ben Faïza, a narcotrafficker sentenced until 2029, returned to Vendin-le-Vieil prison on November 24, 2025, after a controversial leave granted for a job interview. The judicial decision, despite an unfavorable opinion from the prosecutor's office, has sparked outrage among prison unions. The Ministry of Justice confirms he respected the schedule without incident.
Ouaihid Ben Faïza, 52 years old and a key figure in a major drug trafficking network in Seine-Saint-Denis, is serving a sentence until 2029 at Vendin-le-Vieil prison in Pas-de-Calais. Incarcerated in the organized crime unit (QLCO), he was granted a controversial leave on November 24, 2025, despite an unfavorable opinion from the Béthune prosecutor's office. The decision was upheld by the sentencing enforcement chamber of the Douai Court of Appeal.
Ben Faïza left around 7:40 a.m. for a meeting with a potential employer in Vaulx-en-Velin, in the Lyon area. He committed to repaying a 143,000 euro fine at 50 euros per month, a plan spanning 238 years. Without escort but with a planned surveillance setup, he returned in the evening before 9 p.m., as confirmed by the Ministry of Justice: “He respected the time indications of his leave.”
His lawyer, Marie Violleau, defended the outing on BFMTV: “He is not monitored, he is not escorted. He goes from point A to point B to prepare his reintegration.” She criticized his assignment to the QLCO, calling the scandal that measure rather than the permission itself.
The decision sparked controversy, especially among unions. David Lacroix of FO Surveillants expressed outrage: “Here, it's the place to be to get out!” Thomas Vaugrand, general secretary of UFAP UNSa Justice in Hauts-de-France, called for “common sense,” highlighting the inconsistency with QLCO isolation. Similar cases, like those of Christophe Khider or Rédoine Faïd, fuel tensions.
In response, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced plans to amend rules for organized crime, creating a specialized judge similar to terrorism cases. Ben Faïza had previously escaped in 2014 from Villepinte prison with an armed commando, remaining on the run for two weeks.