Maltese and three migrants charged with human trafficking
A meat supplier and three immigrants have been arrested and charged with human trafficking after a series of events led to uncovering an alleged racket of clandestine trips to Italy to land migrants.
15 July 2010, 12:00am
Karl Stagno-Navarra
Karl Stagno-Navarra
1 min read
Angelo Bilocca, 31 from Hamrun, and three Mali nationals were charged of running a racket of finding illegal immigrants who wanted to escape and transport them illegally to Italy.
But a recent hiccup during one of the trips last week, led to a group of 25 migrants being brought back to shore, and all demanded they be given their money back.
Two of the migrants – both nationals of the Ivory Coast – lodged a police report to denounce the racket when they were refused a refund for what they paid to be taken to Italy.
Throughout the past three days, police were busy conducting searches and arrests, while charges were brought before Bilocca and the three migrants involved.
Angelo Bilocca was released on bail against a deposit of €5,000 and a personal guarantee of €25,000, while the three immigrants were remanded in custody.
Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit ordered a freeze on the assets of all the accused.
