Tripoli, January 23, 2026 – The Public Prosecution has ordered the detention of a former director of the credit department at Sahara Bank, an employee from the same department, and a real estate appraiser, pending investigation. This is due to their receipt of unlawful benefits resulting from the approval of a loan worth 57 million dinars without proper collateral.
Investigations by the prosecution revealed that the accused violated the governing rules of bank credit when disbursing the loan for the benefit of the Libyan European Hospital project in Benghazi, according to a statement issued by the Public Prosecutor’s office on Friday.
The investigations showed that the credit officials approved the loan without the necessary tangible collateral to guarantee its repayment. They relied on information provided by the appraiser, which was later found to be contrary to the truth. Consequently, the prosecution decided to detain the three accused pending investigation.
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 significant architecture from these various periods.
Sahara Bank
Sahara Bank is a commercial bank headquartered in Tripoli, Libya, originally established in 1969. It is one of the country’s largest financial institutions and has played a significant role in Libya’s modern economic history, operating through numerous branches across the nation.
Libyan European Hospital
The Libyan European Hospital is a major medical facility in Tripoli, Libya, originally established in the 1970s through a partnership between Libya and several European countries. It has served as a key healthcare center for decades, though its operations have faced significant challenges during periods of conflict and instability in the region.
Benghazi
Benghazi is a major city in eastern Libya, historically significant as a center of trade and culture since its founding as the ancient Greek colony of Euesperides. It played a pivotal role in Libya’s modern history, serving as the provisional capital after the 2011 revolution and being a key site during the 2012 diplomatic attack.
