LA VALLETTA (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Two Albanian nationals believed to be part of an international organised crime network have been remanded in custody in Malta after being charged with a string of home burglaries across the country. The case has drawn international attention following reports that one of the suspects was previously stopped by Belgian authorities with stolen jewellery.
They are facing serious charges over a week-long burglary spree that stretched along various localities across Malta. In total, 11 burglaries were reported between February 22 and 28, with seven of them reportedly successful.
The men are suspected to be active members of a wider international criminal group operating across European borders. During a Saturday court hearing, prosecutors presented CCTV footage and vehicle rental records linking the suspects to the scenes of multiple burglaries. Both cars used in the crimes were rented from a Qawra-based company under Silver’s name.
International cooperation played a key role in the case. Prior to the suspects’ arrest in Malta, Belgian authorities had detained Kociu Silver at Charleroi Airport after discovering a stash of jewellery hidden in a shampoo bottle. Although Silver was released at the time due to insufficient evidence, photos of the seized items were later shown to burglary victims in Malta—several of whom identified the pieces as their stolen possessions.
Following the identification, Maltese authorities issued an arrest warrant when it emerged that both men had booked a return flight to the island. They were apprehended upon arrival at Malta International Airport.
The case highlights growing concerns over transnational organised crime and the importance of international cooperation in tackling such networks. Investigations are ongoing, and both men remain in custody pending further proceedings.
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
