The Libyan Electrical Police announced the arrest of a gang involved in the theft and sale of electrical wires belonging to the General Electricity Company. The operation unfolded over the past two months, culminating in the arrest of an individual in a Hyundai Sonata loaded with stolen wires, apprehended by detectives in Benghazi’s branch of the Electrical Police.
The accused disclosed information about his accomplices, revealing their operations in various locations including Sidi Khalifa on Al-Hanish Road, Al-Dabee Road, Road 17, and the Al-Hawari district in the Saraj area.
According to a statement from the Electrical Police, a targeted operation on Saturday successfully dismantled the gang while they were attempting to steal from the “10.5” line. All legal procedures were followed, and the suspects were referred to the Public Prosecution.
In a related development, the General Directorate of Electrical Police arrested an employee of the General Electricity Company in Gharyan on Saturday. The arrest followed a complaint from a citizen who accused the employee of cutting off his house’s electricity supply over a personal dispute, exploiting his position at the company.
Patrols were dispatched to the residence of the accused, resulting in his arrest and subsequent legal processing before being handed over to the Public Prosecution.
This series of arrests underscores the ongoing efforts by Libyan authorities to combat infrastructure crimes, ensuring the integrity and stability of the nation’s electrical supply amidst challenges.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
