A Libyan national reported missing by Maltese police back in December 2021 has been found safe on Monday, some nine months later.
In a statement, the Maltese Police said that they had found Al-Sagheer Mohamed Rajab Ali safe and sound while carrying out patrols.
Rajab Ali was reported missing from the Santa Marija rehabilitation centre in Luqa last year. He was last seen on 28 November 2021, and reported missing on 3 December 2021.
Last month, Maltese police said they arrested a Libyan national in connection with a string of thefts and burglaries over the last few months, according to Independent Malta News.
Rashid Ramadan Ibrahim Aljabo, 29, was arrested in connection with a total of 22 thefts which happened in Valletta, Hamrun, and Qormi.
The Maltese police said that the man allegedly targeted cars and establishments. He reportedly stole money, electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets, clothes, and other accessories. A Maltese court heard of how Aljabo had also allegedly damaged five cars.
The accused was identified following investigations between March and July this year. He was identified from CCTV footage, with police saying that he was recognised because he had several previous convictions.
Aljabo however had no fixed address, and had managed to allegedly steal again in Qormi before he could be traced. Police subsequently tracked him down to Marsa, following a tip-off, where he was arrested on Monday.
The police said that the arrest came after weeks of investigations and collaborative work between the Valletta and Floriana Community Police, and the Valletta and Qormi District Police. However, the Libyan man pleaded not guilty.
Notably, a Maltese court acquitted a Libyan man, after spending five years in prison on charges of possession of psychotropic pills, according to Malta Today.
Ayoub Ahmad Mohamed Ahmad arrived in Malta in 2015 to study. He soon settled down, and was granted refugee status.
His friend requested Ayoub deliver three protein shake tubs to his brother in Libya, who was a “workout fanatic.” He was stopped on the road by police, who were acting on a tip-off about a suspected drug deal.