Financial expert Khaled Al-Zantouti told our source :
“I was shocked and deeply saddened by what The Guardian published yesterday (Wednesday), and before that months ago The Financial Times, regarding the issue of Libyan oil smuggling through the so-called Libyan Smuggling Corporation. The report indicated that the value of the smuggled oil amounts to an average of 7 billion dollars annually, which represents 27% of Libya’s annual oil exports.”
He added:
“The total over the three years from 2022 to 2024 exceeds 160 billion Libyan dinars (according to current exchange rates), a figure roughly equivalent to the entire national budget of Libya for a full year!”
He continued:
“Just imagine that enormous amount — enough to cover the salaries, spending, imports, travel, treatment, and transportation of all Libyans… It’s unbelievable!”
He went on to say:
“And where did that money go? According to The Guardian, it went into the pockets of some members of our so-called first row. Although I find that hard to believe, because simply — those in the first row, being in the first row — should embody national and ethical responsibility and care for public funds… May God bless them!?! And I don’t mean everyone.”
He concluded:
“The situation has gone too far — far beyond limits! We must put an end to this farce. We need to gradually address the issue of subsidies, following the experiences of countries that preceded us, and in consultation with relevant international institutions.”
