Two Libyans were arrested in Pozzallo this morning heading towards the catamaran to Malta with fake Libyan passports and Maltese residency permits, according to Italian press reports.

The two men, who were riding in a luxurious Chevrolet, had been tailed by the Ragusa police after appearing "suspicious" and making phonecalls, according to Nuovo Sud.

The two were arrested on their way to the Pozzallo port with tickets to board the ferry. The police inspected the documents provided which led to the arrest. The police also discovered a number of Libyan car number plates in the boot.

One of the men had already been arrested for the same crime two years ago in Catania, according to the news portal.

The identity of the Libyans has not been revealed.

The incident happens days after a number of Syrians were intercepted in Italy trying to fly to Malta with false documents. Two have already been arraigned in court.