A Sudanese man who stands accused of being the ringleader of an international operation which produced fake Libyan driving licences and other forged documents was remanded in custody today.

Mohamad Kamal Abdul Qalil, 56, was arrested after a lengthy investigation by the traffic branch of the police and police superintendent Mario Tonna.

Police inspectors Sergio Pisani and Pierguido Saliba told Magistrate Doreen Clarke that the accused was arrested yesterday. Libyan identification cards, driving licences, wedding licences and forgery tools were found at his house in Marsa.

Inspector Pisani said it appeared that Mr Qalil had set up an organisation which imported or produced fake Libyan driving licences, which were handed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the holder.

These were then unwittingly stamped, making them appear legitimate.

Mr Qalil, who is unemployed, pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, participating in a criminal conspiracy, possession of a prohibited weapon, being in possession of the proceeds of criminal activity, fraud, making a false declaration to a public authority and possessing false documents.

His request for bail was denied.