A magistrate today ordered the extradition of four Maltese businessmen who are wanted in Italy for allegedly smuggling 18,000 kilograms of contraband cigarettes.

The men cannot be named by court order.

After Magistrate Aaron Bugeja ordered the extradition, lawyers Joe Giglio, Steve Tonna Lowell and Franco Debono said they were going to appeal the decision and requested the court to release their clients on bail until the appeal is heard.

A decision is pending.

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