Dutch poker affiliate to be extradited on multiple rape, child abuse charges

Inspector Mario Cuschieri presented online poker affiliate Martijn Ramses Waalboer before Magistrate Marseanne Farrugia this afternoon, in execution of a European Arrest Warrant issued in Waalboer’s name.

A Dutch national was this afternoon remanded in custody after he gave his consent to be extradited back to his homeland to face multiple charges of rape, child abuse and breaching a position of trust, dating back to 2005.

Inspector Mario Cuschieri presented online poker affiliate Martijn Ramses Waalboer before Magistrate Marseanne Farrugia this afternoon, in execution of a European Arrest Warrant issued in Waalboer’s name.

Waalboer who, at one point, had been lauded described as "a global marketing rockstar", “one of the biggest and most successful online gambling affiliates in the Netherlands” and also serving as CEO of two companies, did not engage the services of a lawyer, instead relying on legal aid.

This afternoon, the magistrate repeatedly tried to explain to the accused that today’s proceedings were solely to decide whether to return him to the Netherlands for trial, not to decide on his innocence or guilt. After much debate, Waalboer reluctantly consented to this being done.

Waalboer, who said he had been living in Malta for two years, arrogantly requested the court grant him bail to allow him to make arrangements with his landlord and 21-year-old son, but was informed that as these were extradition proceedings, bail was not a possibility.

He then requested he be placed under house arrest, only to be told that this measure was not contemplated under Maltese law. “This is terrible,” he said, repeatedly asking the magistrate whether another arrangement could be made.

“It’s a really big house and there a lot of things I need to do before I go. Where can I run?” He protested that being remanded in custody pending extradition was a breach of European law.

But Inspector Cuschieri pointed out that the Dutchman’s position was the same as any other person awaiting trial in Malta. 

Waalboer was remanded in custody.