Libya seeks extradition of Lilu King from Malta

A request has been made by Libya for the extradition of Mohammed El Mushraty, also known as Lilu King, from Malta.

This was announced on Monday by Minister for Home Affairs and Security Glenn Bedingfield, while responding to questions from journalists.

He explained that the request was submitted in writing by the Libyan government last September. Consequently, all options are being considered before a final decision is reached, he continued, adding that the process also takes into account various human rights laws.

The allegations against him date back several years in Malta, where he faces several charges, including organised crime, sexual and brutal assault, money laundering and drug trafficking.

He reportedly also faces charges in Libya, which include homicide and trafficking. 

Last September, El Mushraty lost his refugee status and no longer has legal grounds to remain protected from deportation. However, any formal extradition will depend on the outcome of the pending Maltese court cases and any subsequent legal appeals.

He is currently being held in custody after being arraigned from behind bars over his alleged complicity in a violent assault at a San Ġwann butcher shop, involving the abduction, beating, and sexual assault of a man. The charges include complicity in non-consensual sexual acts, abduction, aggravated theft, and psychological torture. 

In another case, El Mushraty faces proceedings over an alleged assault at Medasia Playa in Sliema in 2023, which reportedly left a man grievously injured. He denied the charges, claiming he had acted in self-defence. At the time he was also breaching previous bail conditions imposed on him in 2019 in connection with yet another case. 

He was also charged with money laundering, tax evasion and participation in organised crime in May 2023, with a drug trafficking charge subsequently added in January 2024.

El Mushraty also owned an establishment in Paceville and was highly active on social media.