Oil smuggling in the Central Mediterranean

Abstract

This research aims at analysing oil smuggling trends in the Central Mediterranean in the recent years. After the Arab Spring of 2011, and the fall of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, oil smuggling was fuelling the black-market industry in Libya. This type of smuggling is financing and supplying militias in regions with the involvement of terrorist groups. This Type of smuggling is not only draining the Libyan economy but increasing the instability between the governments in Libya. Various criminal networks exploited the current security vacuum in Libya to smuggle fuel into European jurisdiction making million in profits in the process. Different analysis was used to establish a link between vessels, companies and individuals from different counties in relation to oil smuggling. This research also delves into the current situation in Libya mentioning the different governments and various militias involved in the conflict. The research methodology used a qualitative method specifically aimed at professionals with experience in this sector serving in a law enforcement organisation. It also analyses Malta’s role in combating oil smuggling and identifies any preferred routes by smugglers to cross the Mediterranean from Libya to European Union states. In conclusion, the instability of Libya and the regions are keeping oil smuggling running which are major players in the economic stability and security of the country.