The disappearance of Martin Galea in Libya last week may be one of many kidnappings perpetrated by groups seeking ransom money.

A Libyan source, who asked to remain anonymous, said Mr Galea’s abduction was unlikely to have political connotations.

Mr Galea was abducted by unidentified kidnappers while being driven to work on the outskirts of Tripoli. His whereabouts or condition remain unknown.

Meanwhile, his friends hope that his military background will help him remain focused and get through the ordeal.

“He can be a positive guy, even more so if he sees a way out… his training will help him stay focused. But, of course, it’s all relative as we don’t know what he’s going through,” a friend of Martin Galea told The Sunday Times of Malta.

Another friend explained that Mr Galea  a retired captain  had left the Armed Forces of Malta about seven years ago for greener pastures and eventually went to work in Libya.

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