Tripoli: The Public Prosecutor's Office has ordered the detention of a former chairman of the board of directors of Libyan Airlines in Benghazi for embezzling funds from pilgrims during 2017 and 2018.
According to Libyan News Agency, the chairman allegedly used the airline for personal gain, exploiting its operations to embezzle five million dinars. These funds were received by the company under his supervision from pilgrims during the years in question.
The Public Prosecutor's Office revealed that the Anti-Corruption Prosecution within the jurisdiction of the Benghazi Court of Appeal conducted an investigation that proved the accused had unlawfully coerced pilgrims into paying him for their travel tickets in foreign currency. He then allegedly appropriated the proceeds for himself.
Further investigations disclosed that the accused also embezzled $30,000 from 33 pilots. These funds were reportedly paid to him in exchange for their enrollment in a specialized training course. As a result of these findings, the Public Prosecution decided to detain the accused pending further investigation.