Libyan warlord at heart of migrant scandal has links to Britain

A Libyan warlord who allegedly controlled migrant smuggling routes into Europe and a network of torture prisons had direct links to Britain.

Osama Almasri Najim, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), was detained in Italy this year but controversially freed as part of a suspected deal with Libya.

The Telegraph can now reveal that documents found in his possession included valid Barclays and HSBC bank cards in his name, as well as business cards for a pharmacy and an immigration lawyer at a Chinese-British law firm in London.

Italian police briefly detained Najim over crimes against humanity and war crimes on Jan 19, but he was released two days later. His release triggered a legal investigation into Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s prime minister.

Documents obtained by The Telegraph show that he was also found with key cards for hotels in Italy and Germany, suggesting he had travelled around the UK and other parts of Europe unheeded.

Critics have accused Ms Meloni of releasing the 45-year-old as part of a quid-pro-quo deal struck between Italy and Libya to stop migrants from leaving North Africa in boats and crossing the Mediterranean towards the EU nation.

The ICC issued the warrant for Najim on Jan 18 for suspected crimes against humanity and war crimes, including “murder, torture, rape and sexual violence, allegedly committed in Libya from February 2015 onwards”.

https://en.minbarlibya.org/2025/04/04/libyan-warlord-at-heart-of-migrant-scandal-has-links-to-britain/