In Libya, oil trafficking is thriving. And it goes through… Malta
(B2) Oil trafficking thrives in Libya. A lucrative traffic, where the island of Malta, facing the Libyan coast, seems to serve as a rear base
About $750 million a year escapes the control of the central state and serves both the various factions opposed to the central power and the smugglers. The September 2018 report of the UN group of experts on Libya proves it.
From Malta to Zuwara
Vessels involved in fuel smuggling depart from Malta and head south towards the Gulf of Gabes (Tunisia). Arrived at a distance of 40 to 60 nautical miles from the Tunisian coast, they generally deactivate their automatic identification system and head east towards Zouara explain the UN experts. " After carrying out the loading operations, they generally return to Malta”.
Zouara, starting point for illicit exports
Zouara indeed constitutes the main starting point for illicit exports by sea » refined petroleum products. The oil is transported in tank trucks from the Zaouïa refinery, at the heart of the desires of the various armed groups involved in smuggling activities, to the port of Zouara. Trucks can transport fuel up to " three pumping stations located on the Zouara coast, from which smugglers [use] special pipes to load fuel into ships that [wait] for them off the coast. Smuggled oil can also be delivered directly to the port of Zuwara, where it is transhipped onto smuggled vessels. " About 70 boats, small tankers or trawlers, are [devoted] exclusively to this activity »
Active smuggling networks
The United Nations group of experts has identified " about twenty smuggling networks [...] in operation "who employ" about 500 people. " Well-existing networks despite the fact that they are " split into smaller and therefore more discreet groups » during the year 2018.
Ships seized
Faced with this traffic, the Libyan coastguards have not remained inactive; they seized several ships near Zouara. Four boats were thus seized between 2017 and 2018: the Stark, Ukrainian Ruta, Rex/Amargi and Lamar. The Coast Guard even opened fire in 2017 on a ship flying the Comorian flag, the goeast, who are " suspected of smuggling fuel ". Who then took refuge between October 11 and 19, 2017 " north of Malta, off the port of Valletta, outside its territorial waters “, before disconnecting its automatic identification system and heading for the Kerch Strait, in Crimea.
(Coline Traverson, st.)
