[WATCH] Man charged with attempted murder over 2017 Tigné heist

The scene of the 2017 Tigné hold-up as reported by MaltaToday at the time

An Albanian man has been arrested and charged in connection with the 2017 hold up at Diamonds International.

Begtash Muka, 27, was charged this morning after DNA analysis led to his identification in connection with the 2017 heist of Tigné's Diamonds International.

The scene of the crime back in 2017

Muka is already in custody for another crime, having been charged with entering a restricted area of the airport carrying a weapon.

Some days after the jewellery heist, in which some €333,000 were stolen, one of the men had pointed a pistol at police officers and allegedly tried to shoot, but the weapon jammed. Muka’s brother Daniel has already been charged with his part in the robbery.

Before magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace this morning, Inspector James Grech charged the Albanian with attempted murder, aggravated theft, criminal damage, illegal arrest, slightly injuring three people, causing them to fear violence, carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime and carrying a weapon without a permit.

This morning, Muka’s lawyer Franco Debono contested the validity of the man’s arrest, arguing that there was a choice of arraignment by summons or urgent summons, in view of the fact that the offence took place over a year ago.

Muka was arraigned a year later because he was in hiding, replied the inspector. The court ruled that the prosecution was correct in arresting the man.

A not guilty plea was filed by the defence. No request for bail was made “in view of his present circumstances.” Muka was remanded in custody.