Maltese surrendered to Italy authorities

48-year-old Anthony Muscat from Sliema has allegedly been extradited to Italy on Friday over charges of smuggling Chinese nationals to Italy via Malta.

The man allegedly brought the Chinese students to study English as a foreign language using study visas. It is claimed he transferred student by speedboat to Ragusa between July 2004 and January 2005.

In an operation, codenamed 'Marco Polo', the Italian authorities identified 14 suspects . The suspects include Maltese, Chinese and Palestinian nationals. 

Following the issue of a European Arrest Warrant, the Maltese courts approved the surrender of Muscat to Italy. Italian Interpol agents escorted the man Italy to face charges of conspiracy in organised crime.