Libyan Arab Jamahiriya: Surge in Corruption and Crime Threatens Stability and Security in North Africa, Report Warns

New Report from The Sentry Highlights Concerns of Corruption and Organized Crime in Libya

Washington, DC, November 7, 2023 – In a new report, “Libya’s Kleptocratic Boom,” The Sentry, a leading investigative and policy organization, reveals a surge in corruption and organized crime in Libya. The report highlights the rapid expansion of illicit enterprises, linked to the country’s leaders, which poses significant risks to regional and international security.

Rampant Corruption and Transnational Criminal Activities

Founder of The Sentry, John Prendergast, stated, “Libya’s rampant corruption once considered a domestic issue, has now culminated in transnational criminal activities such as human trafficking, fuel smuggling, and drug trading, which threatens the survival of essential institutions and could ignite a widespread armed conflict.”

The Sentry’s Director of Illicit Finance Policy, Oliver Windridge, added, “The post-2011 Libyan situation already featured a plethora of armed groups. Despite their lawless nature, these groups were tolerated as they provided certain services and a degree of security to local communities. Regrettably, this approach has bolstered the influence of these groups over state institutions, granting them a free rein to plunder public resources.”

Key Concerns

The report uncovers multiple worrying trends, including an explosion in drug trafficking, with captagon being a major concern along with cannabis and cocaine. Morocco and regime-held Syria are the main sources for cannabis, while most cocaine originates from Latin America. Some Libyan state officials abet these illicit activities by misusing public mandates and resources.

The Role of Mercenary Groups

Mercenary groups, such as Russia’s Wagner Group and Turkey’s Uluslararası Savunma Danışmanlık İnşaat Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (SADAT), have expanded their involvement in the Libyan conflict. The report also documents how countries like the UAE, Turkey, and Jordan have breached the UN Arms Embargo, while armed groups from Sudan and Chad have been employed by Libyan factions.

Recommendations

The report offers recommendations to address these issues, including:

1. Imposing targeted sanctions and advisories on sectors of Libya’s economy identified as high-risk.
2. Supporting inclusive processes that enable a wider population to influence decision-making.
3. Ensuring public funds contribute to public goods instead of private enrichment by bolstering transparency in government contracting.
4. Tackling the culture of impunity for human rights violators and abusers by supporting investigations and holding perpetrators accountable.

To read the full report, visit https://thesentry.org/reports/libyas-kleptocratic-boom. For media inquiries or interview requests, contact Greg Hittelman, Director of Communications, at [email@address].

About The Sentry

The Sentry is an investigative and policy organization that seeks to disable predator networks that benefit from violent conflict, repression, and kleptocracy. By uncovering the financial networks that fuel conflict and human rights abuses, The Sentry provides evidence and strategies for governments, banks, and regulators to take action and build accountability. Learn more at www.TheSentry.org.