A Libyan national, charged with attempted murder and a host of other crimes in Malta remains at large.
Ramzi Abdulhafid Abukem, also known as Ramzi Bousafy has been wanted by police since 26 August. There are fears that he may have bypassed Malta’s security checks, and fled the country despite being out on bail for several major crimes.
Members of the Libyan community in Malta claimed that Ramzi is allegedly on the run from his home country.
He has been linked to crimes including theft, kidnapping, and money laundering in the war-torn country. However, it appears that Libyan authorities are now more focused on the country’s inner turmoil, than pursuing criminals across the globe.
Currently, there are real fears within the Libyan community that Ramzi will continue, with no one left to stop him.
The Libyan national is linked to a criminal group living in Malta. Some have been charged in court, but like Ramzi have been able to live life and continue their operations while being out on bail.
Sources questioned the work of authorities on the matter – and whether investigations are being carried out. Still, many worried that as outsiders, they are simply not given the attention required by investigators.
Malta’s Prime Minister, Justice Minister, and Police have been reluctant to comment on the case – and have so far rejected to confirm or deny whether or not a European arrest warrant has been issued.
The Libyan national would not be the first suspected criminal to flee Malta undetected. Ryan Schembri notably escaped Malta by boarding a ferry to Sicily, before settling in the UAE and then Scotland.
Meanwhile, police have been under intense criticism for their failures in pursuing EAW’s in both Schembri’s and Iosif Galea’s cases.
Ramzi’s history with crime dates back to 2016 when he was charged with attempted murder, following a fight with bouncers in which he brandished a sword. He was released on bail for the case, which is ongoing.
He was back in court in December 2017 over charges of aggravated theft, cocaine possession, and breaching his bail conditions, but was once again released on bail while a verdict is yet to be reached.