Court orders German’s extradition to the United States

Magistrate Neville Camilleri has green-lit the extradition of a German national, who is wanted by the state of California to face charges of possession and distribution of child pornography.

On 6 April, three days prior to the start of a trial by jury, the accused discarded his tracking device and absconded to Europe. Together with his wife he travelled to Germany and arrived in Malta in May 2012.

The court said that it had been satisfied that the accused is indeed the man wanted by the US authorities, and that evidence presented by the prosecution proved there was a prima facie case against the man, for which he has to answer at the American courts.

On the other hand, the claims of mistaken identity made by the defence were unsubstantiated. Allegations of being discriminated against if returned to America were also not proven.

Magistrate Neville Camilleri ordered the extradition and remanded him in custody until the date of extradition. The court informed the German national of his right to appeal.

Lawyers Abigail Bugeja and Lucio Schriha appeared for the accused. Deputy Attorney General Donatella Frendo Dimech led the prosecution assisted by Inspector Melvin Camilleri.