Libya: Two Ministry of Health officials jailed for corruption

Authorities have ordered the detention of two former senior officials from Libya’s Ministry of Health after uncovering the improper disbursement of more than 86 million dinars intended for the COVID-19 response, as reported by The Libya Observer on December 30.

Prosecutors concluded that the funds were released to companies that were not authorized to participate in pandemic-related efforts. The case adds to a growing list of corruption investigations that have implicated senior figures across Libya’s public sector.

In recent years, prosecutors have pursued cases involving education officials accused of mismanaging state contracts, as well as investigations into the huge financial losses in strategic sectors such as the oil industry. Reports of inflated contracts, unauthorized payments, and weak oversight have highlighted systemic corruption that extends beyond a single ministry.

These cases underscore and legitimatise the widespread concerns across the country about the misuse of public funds and the difficulty of safeguarding state resources.

The Public Prosecution directed the detention of a former financial controller and a former internal auditor following an investigation into the misuse of public funds totalling 86,404,095 dinars (just under 16 million USD). The money had been allocated in 2020 to support measures aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19.

A deputy public prosecutor conducted a review of the administrative and financial procedures governing the release of the funds to the Ministry of Health. That review determined that both officials had abused their official authority by approving payments that did not comply with established regulations for pandemic-related spending.

According to the statement, the companies that received the funds had not been assigned by the competent authority to supply medical equipment or materials linked to the COVID-19 response. In addition, they were not tasked with carrying out any auxiliary or support activities connected to the objectives for which the funds were originally earmarked.

The findings suggest that the approvals bypassed required oversight mechanisms designed to ensure that emergency funds are directed solely toward authorized entities and legitimate public health needs. The improper disbursement occurred despite the clear designation of the funds for a specific national purpose during the public health crisis.

The Attorney General’s Office indicated that the investigation focused on tracing the decision-making process behind the approvals and determining responsibility for the violations. Legal proceedings are continuing as part of the broader effort to enforce accountability for the misuse of public resources as the country’s fragile healthcare system struggles with increasing demand for its services.

The Libya Observer, Maghrebi.org