Libya ‘wanted Goldman Sachs to help ease US trade curbs’

Goldman Sachs bankers discussed requests from the Libyan authorities for them to pressurise Washington not to impose asset freezes or similar sanctions, according to emails presented in evidence at the High Court.

The emails are from shortly after the US judgment in 2008 that ordered Libya to pay the families of the victims of the Lockerbie bombing $6 billion (£4.5 billion).

They indicate that a senior Libyan official, Mohamed Layas, was planning to call Goldman chief executive Lloyd Blankfein to ask for help.

An email from a former Goldman banker to colleagues says: “They [the Libyans] are hoping to put pressure on US administration through US corporations with economic interests in Libya.

“Layas sees us as a partner and he is hoping that Lloyd can help in this lobbying effort or at a minimum get some colour.”