According to the Times of Malta, a Syrian national wanted by Greek authorities on human trafficking charges has been granted bail in Malta, where he is facing separate criminal proceedings related to two hold-ups.

Ali Ahmad, 43, appeared before Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi after Greek authorities issued a European Arrest Warrant seeking his extradition. Ahmad had been sentenced to ten years in prison in Greece after being found guilty, in absentia, of aiding third-country nationals in illegally leaving the country. He did not consent to extradition and was remanded in custody.

During the hearing, Ahmad’s partner testified that they live together in St Paul’s Bay and are raising two children. She confirmed that if granted bail, Ahmad would continue residing with his family.

Three days earlier, Ahmad had already submitted a bail request in relation to separate charges stemming from two hold-ups at lotto booths in Birkirkara and Burmarrad. The Attorney General opposed the request.

Testifying on Tuesday in the hold-up proceedings, Police Inspector Roderick Spiteri told the court that Ahmad was arrested in connection with the European Arrest Warrant issued by Greece and subsequently brought before the Court of Committal.

Ahmad’s defence team stressed his long-standing ties to Malta, including his family and years of residence. They also pointed out that the alleged victims in the local hold-up case had already given their testimony. They argued that the Greek sentence, issued in absentia, conflicted with Maltese legal standards and should not influence the decision on his bail.

The prosecution countered that Ahmad faced serious allegations and noted that, according to the European Arrest Warrant, he had left Greece during pending criminal proceedings, raising concerns that he might flee again if released.

However, the court found that the EAW indicated Ahmad had declared a residential address in Malta, which is acceptable under Greek law. This meant that his absence during the Greek trial could not be automatically interpreted as an attempt to evade justice.

The court also dismissed the prosecution’s claim that Ahmad failed to appear at a court sitting in Greece, as it was shown that he had not been formally summoned and there was no evidence that his court-appointed lawyer had informed him of the proceedings.

Ultimately, Magistrate Ann Marie Thake granted Ahmad bail on the hold-up charges, setting conditions that included an €8,000 deposit and a €12,000 personal guarantee. He must report daily to a police station and observe a court-imposed curfew.

Ahmad remains in custody pending the outcome of the extradition proceedings.