In eastern Libya, the Tobruk Security Directorate, announced the liberation of three children who were held captive by an armed gang.
In a statement, the directorate explained that the children were freed after a parent reported the kidnapping of their child and the kidnappers contacted them. They demanded four million Libyan dinars (LD).
The statement clarified that tracing the calls led to the identification of one of the kidnappers. It provided crucial information about the whereabouts of the abducted child and his captors.
After raiding a farm outside the city of Tobruk, the security forces revealed the presence of two other children who had been kidnapped under different circumstances.
Earlier this month, the Benghazi Security Directorate in Libya apprehended a criminal gang, comprised of Pakistani nationals, involved in kidnapping, extortion, and orchestrating illegal migration operations.
In a detailed statement, the directorate reported the capture of the group following a complaint lodged by a 14-year-old Pakistani boy, regarding the abduction of his father and his father’s friend in the Buatni area.
It also detailed that a specialised investigation team was assigned to probe the incident. They gathered information on the missing individuals’ last known locations, and confirmed the kidnapping.
Further investigations revealed a ransom demand. The kidnapper, who turned out to be a friend of the victim, contacted the victim’s wife, demanding a ransom of 1.9 million Pakistani Rupees.
A Pakistani bank account number was provided for the transfer, accompanied by a dire threat to kill the victim if the payment was not made.
In a dramatic turn of events, the security forces, upon receiving authorization from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, raided a farm where the victim was held captive. The victim was successfully rescued, and the kidnapper, along with six others who alternated in guarding the victim, were apprehended.
The statement further disclosed that the criminals planned to head to the city of Zuwara, upon receiving the ransom and then embark on a journey to Italy.
Upon arrest, the accused confessed to their involvement in kidnapping, extortion, and organizing trips to Europe. They were charging each migrant $4,500, which was to be deposited into their foreign bank accounts. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has since charged them with kidnapping, human trafficking, and smuggling offences.
Notably, Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Moammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.