LILA MUMBAI

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Ship detained for suspected violation of UN arms embargo against Libya

The 'Lila Mumbai' was moored at the main anchorage of the Port of Algeciras in pos. 36° 09' N 005° 25' W on the afternoon of Aug 31, 2025, awaiting the Spanish authorities' determination of its immediate future. The ship was transferred from Ceuta under escort by two vessels from the Civil Guard's Maritime Service. It has been detained on Augt 27 by a resolution issued by the Maritime Authority, amid indications that it was transporting material with potential military use and was destined for Benghazi. The detention order was issued by the General Directorate of Foreign Policy and Security of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following receipt of information alerting it to a possible violation of the arms embargo imposed by the United Nations Security Council. The inspections carried out in Ceuta included the participation of the Civil Guard, the Customs Surveillance Service, and the Special Group on Underwater Activities (GEAS), in a joint operation that included both surface and underwater surveillance. The 'Lila Mumbai' had set sail from the port of Fujairah and was detected while sailing in waters near the northern bay of Ceuta. The detention followed a preliminary analysis of the vessel's documentation and cargo, which included several vessels likely for military use. The decision to allow its transit to the port of Algeciras was based on logistical reasons. The Ceuta facilities were lacking sufficient resources for a possible unloading or to carry out in-depth technical inspections of the cargo. Algeciras does have the operational capacity necessary to carry out a full intervention, including the possible seizure of the material. For the time being, the vessel remained anchored and under the control of port and security authorities in Algeciras, while the legality of the cargo being transported was assessed. The final decision was depending on the results of technical inspections and an analysis of the shipment's documentation, which could lead to a seizure order if suspicions of violation of the international embargo are confirmed.