The Plunder of Libya's Frozen Billions

This 2026 report by The Sentry examines the systemic mismanagement and corruption within the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA), Libya’s sovereign wealth fund. Although many of its billions were frozen by the United Nations following the 2011 revolution, the investigation reveals that the LIA still actively manages approximately half of its $62.85 billion in assets. Through case studies in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Liberia, the text illustrates how high-value real estate and businesses have been neglected or exploited by politically connected individuals. For instance, a London office building sat vacant for a decade, resulting in nearly $79 million in lost rent, while other assets were siphoned off through cronyism and offshore secrecy. Ultimately, the authors argue against lifting international sanctions, claiming that the LIA’s public image of reform is merely an illusion of order masking deep governance failures.