Unraveling the Web: A Detailed Exposé of Corruption in Libya's Highway Services Company Ltd.

Executive Summary

This investigative report delves into the deep-seated corruption within the Highway Services Company Ltd. (HSC), spotlighting the illegal activities and financial discrepancies as revealed by a recently leaked oversight document. The report systematically presents names, figures, and events that have led to significant disruptions in Libya's oil sector and public services.

Introduction to HSC

Established in 2002 under the General People's Committee resolution number 11, Highway Services Company Ltd. was designed to manage service complexes on Libya's highways, including fuel distribution and various commercial services. The company started with a capital of 100 million Libyan dinars, half of which was paid upfront.

Systemic Corruption and Mismanagement

Key Figures and Their Roles

- Abdulsalam Al-Zubi: Identified as the primary orchestrator of the corruption scheme within HSC. Al-Zubi, through familial and militia connections, assumed de facto control of the company, appointing relatives to pivotal roles to facilitate various illicit operations.

- Amhad Ali Abdallah Al-Zubi: Appointed in 2023 as the manager for the central and southern regions under the controversial decision number 48 by Abdulsalam Al-Zubi, violating legal and regulatory norms.

Financial Irregularities and Legal Overreach

- Financial Overview: By 2023, HSC was deeply in debt due to mismanagement and embezzlement. The financial turmoil was significantly impacted by the manipulation of fuel distribution for smuggling.

- Legal Violations: On May 10, 2023, a court ruling (case number 180/2022 from the Swani Primary Court) invalidated the appointment of Ammar Al-Hadi Salem as the judicial director, highlighting the extent of legal breaches.

Oil Smuggling and Financial Loss

Operational Misconduct

- Fuel Distribution Networks: Investigations revealed that large quantities of fuel were diverted to militias through non-operational fuel stations, notably under the management of the new director from the El-Zubi family. Comparison of fuel disbursement records from HSC and the National Oil Corporation showed significant discrepancies, indicative of smuggling activities.

- Direct Involvement: Documents attached to the leaked report detail how security forces, connected by family ties to management, facilitated these operations. Notably, a registry update in 2023 (registry number 63489) effectively bypassed legal constraints and fostered further corruption.

Recommendations for Reform

To address the systemic corruption at HSC and similar entities, the report recommends:

- Immediate suspension and auditing of all individuals involved, directly or indirectly, with the illicit activities.

- Establishment of a stringent regulatory framework for state-owned enterprises, with regular oversight by an independent body.

- Legal actions against all implicated parties, based on the detailed evidence provided in the oversight documents.

Conclusion

The leaked oversight document has laid bare the depth of corruption within the Highway Services Company Ltd., illustrating how deeply intertwined personal, militia, and official interests have become in the exploitation of Libya’s state resources. This report calls for immediate, decisive action to dismantle these corrupt networks and restore integrity to the nation's public services and economic operations.