A Togo-flagged fuel tanker called “Lamar” and its Greek crew were arrested on Thursday, 15 March by Libyan naval forces, as it was suspected to have been trying to smuggle oil out of Libya.
Libya is a known departure point for smuggling activity, mainly to nearby countries such as Tunisia and Malta. Lamar’s eight Greek crewmembers are arrested and their case is now referred to the general prosecutor.
Libya seized the oil tanker as it did not have any permissions from the country, naval forces spokesman Ayoub Qassem, was cited as saying by Reuters. The ship was seized off Abu Kamash, near the border with Tunisia.
Lamar was located in Tunisia, where it turned of its transponder, which is a usual tactic of smugglers.