A recently released document from the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that a close associate of the late, convicted American financier Jeffrey Epstein had drawn up plans to seek access to Libya’s frozen sovereign assets, citing financial and legal opportunities linked to the political and economic uncertainty in Libya at the time.
It is believed that approximately $80 billion of Libyan funds are frozen internationally, including about $32.4 billion in the United States. The true figure is estimated to be three to four times this amount when accounting for sovereign assets, stolen, and embezzled funds.
The documents stated: “If we can identify or recover between 5% and 10% of these funds, and secure a fee ranging from 10% to 25%, we are talking about billions of dollars.”
The documents reported that a number of former members of the British foreign intelligence service (MI6) and the Israeli foreign intelligence service (Mossad) expressed willingness to assist in efforts to identify and recover what was described as “stolen assets.”
They pointed to expectations that Libya would need to spend at least $100 billion in the future on reconstruction and economic recovery.
“But the real incentive is that if we can become their go-to people, it’s because they plan to spend at least $100 billion next year to rebuild their country and stimulate the economy,” according to the letter.
The letter also described Libya as a country with substantial energy reserves alongside high education rates, factors the sender considered elements that could be leveraged in financial and legal initiatives and activities.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, with its modern government established by the Constitution in 1789. Its history encompasses westward expansion, the Civil War, industrialization, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century. The nation is defined by its diverse population, democratic ideals, and significant cultural and economic influence worldwide.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later becoming known for Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 revolution. Its cultural heritage includes UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the ancient Greek city of Cyrene and the Roman ruins of Leptis Magna.
U.S. Department of Justice
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is the federal executive department responsible for enforcing federal law and administering justice, established by Congress in 1870. It is headed by the Attorney General, a position originally created in 1789, and oversees agencies like the FBI, DEA, and federal prosecutors.
British foreign intelligence service
The British foreign intelligence service, known as MI6 (the Secret Intelligence Service), was formally established in 1909 to gather intelligence overseas. It is famously headquartered at Vauxhall Cross in London and has played a central role in national security, including during the Cold War and against modern global threats.
MI6
MI6, officially known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), is the United Kingdom’s foreign intelligence agency. It was formally established in 1909 to gather intelligence overseas, and its headquarters have been located at the distinctive Vauxhall Cross building in London since 1994.
Israeli foreign intelligence service
The Israeli foreign intelligence service, known as Mossad, was established in 1949 and is responsible for intelligence collection, covert operations, and counterterrorism outside of Israel’s borders. It is renowned for its high-profile operations, such as the capture of Adolf Eichmann, and operates under the directive of the Prime Minister.
Mossad
The Mossad is Israel’s national intelligence agency, established in 1949. Its primary missions are intelligence gathering, covert operations, and counter-terrorism, playing a central role in Israel’s national security since the state’s founding.
