A man found guilty of organising boat trips to get illegal immigrants from Libya to Europe was this morning jailed for four years and six months and fined €270.

Mohamed Muhudiin Dhiblaawe had been reported to the police by Somali Omar Hasan Nour in March 2009, who ended in Malta after paying Mr Dhiblaawe $900 for the trip.

Mr Nour reported Mr Dhiblaawe to the police because he felt robbed as he did not intend his destination to be Malta.

Following investigations, the police found that the accused transported people from Libya to Europe because of the massive profits involved. The accused had spoken to Mr Nour and others in Libya and offered to help them travel to Europe for the equivalent of €600 each.

The accused had promised to make all the necessary arrangements and gave the Somalis all the necessary instructions for the escape.

Accused had congregated with others. The police found that the accused had made similar arrangements in previous dates and he had been paid in the same manner.

Following plea bargaining, the Criminal Court jailed Mr Dhiblaawe four years and six month and fined him €270.

Joseph Giglio and Giannella Caruana Curran were defence counsel.