(PR 624/25)
In recent hours, the Maltese Police arrested a Macedonian man who is among a number of individuals forming part of a European criminal group wanted by the Austrian authorities in connection with a series of ATM bombings on bank machines in Austria.
Investigations in Austria began last year, and a total of 48 suspects were identified. At the end of last October, the Vienna Prosecutor’s Office issued European Arrest Warrants (EAWs) against them.
Early on Tuesday morning, an international operation took place in several European countries, including Malta. The operation in Malta was a joint effort between various sections of the Malta Police Force, during which a residence in St Paul’s Bay was surrounded. This followed investigations that identified that one of the suspects, a 29-year-old Macedonian, was living in Malta. He is one of 29 people who have been arrested so far.
The man was brought before the Court yesterday to begin the process for extradition to Austria. He gave his consent to face criminal proceedings in Austria and remains under arrest.