Libya’s Public Prosecution has ordered the pretrial detention of four senior officials from the Tripoli Municipality amid an ongoing investigation into alleged financial corruption.
The officials include the Head of Administrative and Financial Affairs, the Chairman of the Procurement Committee, the Director of the Local Revenue Department, and a member of the Procurement Committee. Their detention follows a report from the Internal Security Agency, which uncovered evidence of significant financial irregularities.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were directly involved in procurement processes that benefited a member of the Procurement Committee. They reportedly inflated the prices of supplied items by up to 20% above market rates and accepted bribes to expedite payments to a company owned by one of the accused.
Based on these findings, prosecutors have ordered the suspects to be held in custody pending further investigation and legal proceedings.
This case is part of a broader crackdown on corruption within Libya’s public sector. Recent actions by the Public Prosecution include the detention of senior health officials over irregularities in the importation of cancer treatment drugs .
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.
