Investigations linked EU-wide crackdown on fuel smuggling off Malta, passed to international investigators

Intelligence on fuel smuggling off the Maltese coast was passed to international investigators as part of an EU-wide crackdown, sources told the Times of Malta. Senior investigators said intelligence on the known activities of fuel smuggling gangs just off the Maltese coast had formed part of an extensive six-month joint Europol operation.

The Times of Malta reports that it was not clear at the time of writing whether any Maltese individuals or companies would be facing legal action as a result of the crackdown. The recent operation targeted organised crime groups involved in fuel fraud and has resulted in the arrests of almost 25 suspects.

Europol said it had also seized 2.2 million kilos of stolen or irregular fuel from various vessels, vehicles and storage facilities across the EU.

The extent of Malta’s involvement in the investigation was not divulged by the EU’s law enforcement agency, however, Maltese police sources said it had involved expertise from police investigators and collaboration with Maltese Customs officers.

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