Libyan customs officers at Misrata International Airport, in coordination with the Internal Security Agency, have successfully thwarted a major attempt to smuggle foreign currency out of the country.
According to the Media Office of the Customs Authority, the operation was triggered by suspicions surrounding three Libyan female passengers who were preparing to board a flight to Istanbul. Female officers from the Customs Authority and the Internal Security Agency conducted a targeted search of the travelers.
The search revealed €1,279,350 and an additional $10,000 USD, concealed illegally in an apparent effort to bypass customs regulations.
Authorities notified the Public Prosecutor in Misrata, and the case has been referred for further legal procedures under the supervision of the relevant judicial authorities.
Commitment to National Economic Security
The Customs Authority emphasized that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard Libya’s national economy and combat currency smuggling, in full coordination with security and judicial agencies.
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.
