Libya’s Public Prosecutor announced on Monday the arrest of 10 suspects involved in manufacturing boats used for illegal migration across the Mediterranean.
According to a statement posted on the official Facebook page of the Libyan Attorney General’s Office, the arrests were part of ongoing judicial efforts to combat organized crime and curb human trafficking networks operating in the country.
Investigations led by the West Misrata Primary Prosecution were launched following a report from the Special Tasks Department, which provided intelligence on a criminal group managing a workshop for building vessels intended for smuggling migrants.
During the raid, security forces seized six fully equipped boats and apprehended ten individuals directly engaged in their production. Evidence also confirmed that 12 additional boats had been manufactured, with at least seven already sailing north towards the Mediterranean.
The Public Prosecutor confirmed that the arrested suspects have been referred for further investigation, while arrest warrants were issued for three additional fugitives linked to managing the operation. Authorities stressed that all perpetrators would be brought before justice as part of Libya’s broader crackdown on migrant smuggling and illegal crossings by sea.
Libya remains a critical transit hub for migrants seeking to reach Europe, with traffickers exploiting its long Mediterranean coastline. The latest crackdown underscores the government’s pledge to dismantle smuggling networks fueling the dangerous migration routes.
