Libya arrests top customs officials over $2 billion gold smuggling plot
Libyan authorities have arrested several high-ranking customs officials following a foiled attempt to smuggle approximately $2 billion worth of gold.
Among the detainees are the director-general of the customs authority and the head of customs at Misrata Airport in northwestern Libya.
These officials allegedly conspired with others to traffic about 26 tons of gold, according to a statement from the Attorney General’s Office released on Facebook.
“The Investigation Authority orders the arrest of the Director General of Customs Interest; and the leaders of the Interest Work at Misrata International Airport,” the statement read. The officials were accused of “intentionally contributing to the incident of achieving illicit material benefits for others, and causing damage to the national economy.”
The plot, which involved attempting to smuggle gold bars weighing approximately 25,875 kilograms currently valued at around $2 billion, was uncovered in December 2023. This discovery prompted an investigation by the Attorney General in January.
According to the Libyan Observer, leaked audio recordings of conversations between the Head of Misrata Airport Customs and a commander in the joint operations force revealed the involvement of both parties in the smuggling attempt.
The shipment of gold represents nearly a quarter of Libya’s gold reserves, which total about 116.6 tons, the fourth-highest in Africa, according to Bloomberg.
