A Libyan teacher was this afternoon handed a suspended sentence after admitting to supplying false documents for other Libyans to illegally obtain Maltese residence permits. 

Sami Shebni Ashor, 39, who lives in Mosta, was charged before Magistrate Gabriella Vella and accused of making false declarations and of using fraudulent documents to help others obtain permits from Identity Malta between January and August.

The court heard how Mr Ashor was first arrested on September 28 when the police began investigations into a racket at Identity Malta whereby residence permits were being dished out.

Police Inspector Rennie Stivala and Yvonne Farrugia told the court that Mr Ashor falsified documents related to language schools and even bank and other documents.

Defence lawyer Arthur Azzopardi said his client was admitting to the charges brought against him but was promising to continue helping the police with their wider investigation.

He said the prosecution and defence had agreed on a two years jail term suspended for four years, which was also in line with other punishments meted out for the same crime in recent months. Magistrate Vella accepted the plea bargain.

The investigation began over suspected irregularities in the issuing of residency permits for Libyans by Identity Malta. One of the people currently facing criminal action is accountant and auditor Joe Sammut.

The 58-year-old former Labour Party treasurer and candidate stands charged with helping Libyans set up companies in Malta to obtain residency permits using forged documents and fraudulent means.

He is also charged with misappropriation and non-observance of the due diligence expected of him in his professional capacity. He is denying the charges.