Tripoli, January 22, 2026 – The Public Prosecution has ordered the detention of two members of a criminal gang that coordinated the sending of illegal migrants by sea, which resulted in the deaths of 59 migrants of Egyptian and Bangladeshi nationalities.
The investigation traced a network of suspects accused of arranging the transport of migrants from the shores of Tobruk to the northern Mediterranean on a dilapidated boat that failed to carry them.
According to the Public Prosecutor’s office, the judicial control officer instructed the prosecutor to apprehend two members of the gang, leading to the discovery of 123 other migrants awaiting smuggling by sea.
Consequently, the investigator confronted the two accused with the facts and the charges against them under the law, then ordered their preventive detention pending investigation, and directed the apprehension of the remaining gang members and their presentation.
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, located on the country’s Mediterranean coast. Historically, it was founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC and has since been ruled by the Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, and Italians, serving as a major port and cultural crossroads. Its historic core, the medina of Old Tripoli, contains well-preserved examples of its diverse architectural heritage.
Tobruk
Tobruk is a port city in eastern Libya, historically significant for its natural harbor. It gained prominence during World War II when it was the site of a prolonged and pivotal siege between Allied and Axis forces. The city’s history also includes its role as a capital for the Libyan government during the 2011 civil war.
Mediterranean
The Mediterranean is a sea bordered by Europe, Africa, and Asia, historically serving as a crucial crossroads for trade, cultural exchange, and the rise of major civilizations like the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Phoenicians. Its shores have been central to the development of Western and Middle Eastern history, fostering interconnected societies through maritime networks for millennia.
