The prosecution in the case against an Italian accused of defrauding the Casino di Venezia is insisting that the defence request to remove the charge of money laundering did not hold water.

Fabio Zulian, 47, fled the island and was returned through a European Arrest Warrant. He had argued that the Italian authorities, in returning him, used what was known as a specialty clause, which effectively limited the charges on which he could be found guilty. Money laundering was not one of these charges.

But Donatella Frendo Dimech, on behalf of the Attorney General, and Giannella de Marco, on behalf of Casino di Venezia argued this morning the specialty clause did not apply in this case.

They prosecution had asked the Italian authorities for clarification and their response had been that the money laundering charge was not left out.

Dr Frendo Dimech said that if it was, it must have been a mistake.

The case continues.