Jan Marsalek, Europe’s most-wanted fugitive and alleged Russian spy, secretly invested millions in Libyan cement factories and oil-related assets linked to Russian-backed warlord Haftar; disputes over these holdings have sparked legal battles and possible espionage-related hacking in London.

A secret financial and corporate arrangement was uncovered involving Jan Marsalek, Europe’s most-wanted financial criminal and alleged Russian spy, who covertly invested millions in Libyan strategic assets including three cement factories and the drilling rig operator Lorasco. Marsalek's investments were channeled through offshore shell companies to mask his involvement, with links to influential figures in Libya, including Ahmed Ben Halim (founder of Libya Holdings Group) and businessman Joe Bowman. The cement factories were sold in 2022 to a Libyan-Emirati businessman connected to General Khalifa Haftar, a Russian-backed warlord. Marsalek used these financial channels to blend personal gain with Russian geopolitical interests, including ties to Russian mercenary groups for securing assets and efforts to influence Libyan politics. Despite Marsalek's current confinement to Russia under state protection, disputes over his Libyan holdings have escalated into legal battles among former associates in London. Recent leaks and investigations suggest Marsalek may be actively attempting to regain control or punish former partners by hacking operations, illustrating ongoing covert influence efforts connected to Russian espionage in North Africa. The complexity of the network, the involvement of multiple jurisdictions (UK, Libya, Cyprus, Dubai), and connections to convicted spies deepen concerns about Russian financial penetration and influence in Libya as a geopolitical lever against Europe.