Malta police arrest Sicilian allegedly linked to Mafia

A Sicilian criminal with alleged links to the Mafia appeared in court yesterday to contest his extradition after being stopped by the police on the strength of a European arrest warrant.

Salvatore Stefano Rizzotto, 38, from Syracuse had been on the run for three months and was wanted for the alleged possession of 19 kilograms of marijuana, besides having links to the Mafia, lawyer Donatella Frendo Dimech, from the Attorney General’s Office, told presiding Magistrate Audrey Demicoli. Mr Rizzotto also had convictions and pending cases on drug-related charges, she added.

Dr Frendo Dimech said the Italian authorities had issued a warrant for his arrest on September 16, followed by a European arrest warrant on October 23.

Mr Rizzotto was arrested on Sunday evening.

In pleas on bail, defence lawyers Anġlu Farrugia and Edward Gatt argued that their client, an EU citizen, should be accorded the same rights as if he were Maltese and, therefore, should be granted bail.

Dr Frendo Dimech, however, told the court the man had absolutely no connection with the island and the fact that he was on the run made him unreliable and likely to flee.

Magistrate Demicoli remanded him in custody.