A Maltese man is among five persons arrested by Tripoli port authorities as part of an investigation into alleged smuggling of diesel from Libya, according to the Libyan coastguard.
The arrest was made two days ago when the Togo-registered ship Sovereign M was seized.
Two Egyptians, an Algerian and a Syrian were also arrested as part of the same investigation.
The Syrian-born Maltese citizen was the ship's engineer.
The Coast Guard said the authorities intend to use 'an iron fist' against those who steal Libyan resources.
The case if separate from that of Capt Carmelo Grech who is under arrest in the Eastern part of Libya having been apprehended with a large amount of cash some two weeks ago.