The Libyan Attorney General’s Office has ordered the detention of a former Director General of the Tax Authority, a former branch manager of the Republic Bank in Mellitah, and a current accounts officer from the same branch. The trio is accused of unlawfully seizing 48 million dinars.
A statement released by the Office of the Attorney General detailed the investigation into the embezzlement of 48 million dinars, which were collected from taxpayers between 2010 and 2013. The investigation revealed significant financial mismanagement and fraudulent practices during this period.
The Deputy Prosecutor confronted the former head of the Tax Authority with evidence of misconduct, highlighting that he had authorized the transfer of the embezzled amount to a joint-stock company that had no formal contractual relationship with the Tax Authority.
The investigation also held the bank manager and accounts officer accountable for their failure to verify the legitimacy of the banking transactions, which allowed the misappropriation to take place. As the investigation concluded, the accused were ordered to be detained pending further legal proceedings.
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.
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.
