Washington Eye has reported that Abdul Hamid Dabaiba, head of Libya’s Government of National Unity, oversaw the transfer of $400 million to Turkey over the past week.
The newspaper claimed that three members of Dabaiba’s family facilitated these transfers via Libyan Airlines on a near-daily basis, leveraging state infrastructure to move funds out of the country.
Family Flights
The report stated that the operation involved “family flights,” according to anonymous sources within Libyan Airlines and Turkish customs, who cited safety concerns. Funds were allegedly divided into shipments carried by Dabaiba’s nephews, cousins, and trusted aides.
A Turkish official reportedly characterized these transfers as more than symbolic, stating, “This was money laundering on a national scale; every plane was carrying millions.”
The newspaper noted that the timing of these transfers coincided with Libya’s political instability following the recent killing of Stability Support Apparatus Abdul Ghani al-Kikli, which triggered bloody protests and demonstrations in Tripoli and nationwide calls for Dabaiba’s removal.
Allocation of Villas, Lands, and Farms
Concurrently, Dabaiba is alleged to have reallocated wealth within Tripoli. Dozens of luxury villas, farms, and prime land plots in elite Tripoli neighborhoods like Al-Andalus and Al-Siyahiya were reportedly allocated to his relatives. The newspaper claims one confirmed transfer involved a $9 million villa on Omar al-Mukhtar Street, now registered in his son-in-law’s name.
Brotherhood Ties
Washington Eye suggested that Dabaiba’s financial maneuvers were supported by protection from the Muslim Brotherhood, particularly Libya’s Justice and Construction Party. This association, the paper claimed, earned him ideological backing from some progressive officials in the United States and Europe, especially those who supported “inclusive Islamic governance” after the Arab Spring revolutions.
The newspaper cited diplomats close to Dabaiba in Ankara confirming that elements from U.S. non-governmental organizations loyal to the Democratic Party maintained informal contact with his office as recently as this month.
One source reportedly commented, “They thought he was a stabilizing force. Now, they’ve realized he’s a dapper thief carrying a flag.”
Flight Suspension
The newspaper further reported that as of this week, Libyan Airlines flight LN203 from Istanbul has been suspended amid internal Turkish reviews and pressure from European intelligence.
An Arab diplomat based in Rome anticipated more details would emerge in the coming days as evidence broadens, asserting that “the message is clear: Dabaiba is not fleeing the country; he is looting it, flight after flight.”
Government Response
In response, the Tebyan platform, affiliated with the GNU, denied the claims published in the Washington Eye report, describing the allegations that Libyan officials had transferred funds abroad as misleading.
The platform asserted that these claims are not based on any reliable source or accredited oversight body.
Specialized Technical Analysis
Tebyan noted that Washington Eye is a recently established entity, less than six months old. A specialized technical analysis, Tebyan stated, proved that it is not an independent media outlet but operates within a media disinformation network linked to regional parties aiming to destabilize Libya and its foreign relations.
The platform pointed out that the alleged report was published under a fictitious name, “Youssef Al-Faitouri,” who has no record in any journalistic or professional registry, clearly reflecting the fabricated and biased nature of the published material.
Tebyan urged media outlets and citizens not to be swayed by such disinformation campaigns and to rely on official and reliable sources when addressing Libyan affairs. It affirmed its legal right to pursue entities that promote such false news.