Libyan security authorities in Benghazi have arrested a foreign national accused of defrauding several citizens of more than 8 million Libyan dinars, in one of the city’s largest recent financial fraud cases, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Mohamed Abu Lamousha, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior’s media office, said that officers from the General Investigations Department of the Benghazi Security Directorate detained an Egyptian national suspected of orchestrating a wide-scale scam targeting multiple victims. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect systematically exploited citizens’ trust through deceptive financial practices.
According to Abu Lamousha, the suspect initially conducted small, successful transactions to gain the confidence of his victims before persuading them to hand over larger sums of money. Once significant amounts were transferred, he failed to honor agreements and disappeared with the funds. Authorities estimate the total value of the fraud at more than 8.1 million dinars.
Investigators found that the suspect relied heavily on cash transactions conducted outside legal and banking frameworks, a method that allowed him to evade oversight and delay detection. Officials stressed that such informal dealings continue to expose citizens to serious financial risks and make it easier for fraudsters to operate.
Following his arrest, the suspect was subjected to legal procedures and referred to the competent judicial authorities for further investigation and prosecution. Abu Lamousha confirmed that the security media office documented the suspect’s confession on video and audio, noting that the material will be used for public awareness purposes.
The Benghazi Security Directorate renewed its warning to citizens against engaging in undocumented financial transactions or illegal currency trading. Authorities urged the public to conduct all financial dealings through licensed institutions and to ensure proper legal documentation for any monetary agreements.
Security officials also called on citizens to report suspicious financial activities promptly, emphasizing that early reporting plays a vital role in preventing wider losses and protecting the community.
Libyan security authorities in Benghazi have arrested a foreign national accused of defrauding several citizens of more than 8 million Libyan dinars, in one of the city’s largest recent financial fraud cases, according to the Ministry of Interior.
Mohamed Abu Lamousha, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior’s media office, said that officers from the General Investigations Department of the Benghazi Security Directorate detained an Egyptian national suspected of orchestrating a wide-scale scam targeting multiple victims. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect systematically exploited citizens’ trust through deceptive financial practices.
According to Abu Lamousha, the suspect initially conducted small, successful transactions to gain the confidence of his victims before persuading them to hand over larger sums of money. Once significant amounts were transferred, he failed to honor agreements and disappeared with the funds. Authorities estimate the total value of the fraud at more than 8.1 million dinars.
Investigators found that the suspect relied heavily on cash transactions conducted outside legal and banking frameworks, a method that allowed him to evade oversight and delay detection. Officials stressed that such informal dealings continue to expose citizens to serious financial risks and make it easier for fraudsters to operate.
Following his arrest, the suspect was subjected to legal procedures and referred to the competent judicial authorities for further investigation and prosecution. Abu Lamousha confirmed that the security media office documented the suspect’s confession on video and audio, noting that the material will be used for public awareness purposes.
The Benghazi Security Directorate renewed its warning to citizens against engaging in undocumented financial transactions or illegal currency trading. Authorities urged the public to conduct all financial dealings through licensed institutions and to ensure proper legal documentation for any monetary agreements.
Security officials also called on citizens to report suspicious financial activities promptly, emphasizing that early reporting plays a vital role in preventing wider losses and protecting the community.
