Libya’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Oasis Branch, carried out a high-level security operation that successfully dismantled a network involved in smuggling fuel and gold from mines in southern Libya.
During the operation in the city of Jalu, security forces arrested two suspects of Sudanese and Chadian nationality. Investigations revealed their involvement in multiple smuggling activities, including human trafficking.
Authorities first grew suspicious of a grey 2004 Toyota Sequoia. When questioned, the Sudanese driver admitted that he had transported the vehicle from Benghazi to Jalu for a Chadian associate in exchange for 300 Libyan dinars.
Further investigation led to the arrest of the Chadian suspect, who confessed that he owned the vehicle and had purchased it for 21,000 dinars. He admitted to using it for smuggling fuel and gold from southern Libya, with plans to sell the car later in Chad. A forged driver’s license was also found in his possession, which was confirmed as counterfeit by the Traffic and Licensing Department in Sebha.
The seized items were secured, and the case was referred to the Public Prosecutor on charges including forgery of official documents, vehicle smuggling, and illegal cross-border trade.
The CID stressed that it will continue monitoring suspicious movements and pursuing smuggling networks as part of a strict security framework, implemented under the direct supervision of the department’s leadership, to uphold the rule of law across Libya.
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.