Libyan authorities have dismantled a suspected financial crime network involving bank employees accused of embezzlement and money laundering, in a case that raises concerns over trust in the country’s banking sector.
The Financial Crimes and Anti-Money Laundering Agency launched an investigation following a complaint filed by a citizen and referred by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Al-Swani. The probe revealed serious violations involving staff at a commercial bank branch who allegedly manipulated accounts and carried out unauthorised financial transactions.
According to investigators, the suspects illegally loaded an international Visa card with $10,000 in 2023, executed transfers worth 63,000 Libyan dinars, and added a further $2,000 in 2025—all without the account holder’s knowledge or consent.
Authorities said the illicit transactions led to the victim being wrongly flagged in a money laundering watchlist linked to a wider network involving over 200,000 individuals whose international bank cards were allegedly exploited for suspicious financial operations.
The agency intensified its efforts using advanced financial tracking systems and electronic monitoring tools to analyse transaction patterns and trace fund movements domestically and internationally. This enabled investigators to uncover the broader network and identify those involved.
Technical reports, including forensic analysis of fraud and forgery, confirmed the involvement of five bank employees. They are accused of abusing their positions, committing gross negligence, breaching trust, and facilitating suspicious transactions through electronic payment systems.
The suspects have been arrested and referred to the competent prosecution authorities, where they remain in custody pending further legal action.
Officials stressed their commitment to strengthening oversight and continuing efforts to combat financial corruption, warning that all those involved in exploiting public funds or abusing their roles will face justice.
