Italian businessman to be extradited to face charges of fraud

A court has consented to extradite an Italian businessman, arrested in Malta, to Italy to face charges of fraud and participation in organised crime.

Stefano Detassis had been arrested earlier this month in a Paceville apartment by Maltese police acting on a European Arrest Warrant that had been issued in August.  He had denied escaping house arrest in Italy, claiming to have informed the Italian authorities that he would be visiting Malta.

Detassis is wanted by the Prosecutor's Office in Pesaro in connection with international trafficking in genetically modified wheat and corn, following the seizure, by the Italian authorities, of a consignment of wheat, corn and soya.

This afternoon Magistrate Aaron Bugeja upheld the request.

Deputy Attorney General Donatella Frendo Dimech and Inspector Mario Cuschieri prosecuted. Lorna Mifsud Cachia appeared on behalf of Detassis.