Man to be extradited to Austria over attempted arson attacks on cash machines
The North Macedonian man has resided in Malta for eight years
A 29-year-old North Macedonian man has agreed to be extradited to Austria to face charges of alleged involvement in attempted arson attacks on ATMs, despite claiming never to have set foot in the country.
Zlatko Jankulov, a delivery driver residing in Buġibba, appeared before Magistrate Abigail Criten on Tuesday afternoon after he was arrested on the strength of a European arrest warrant issued by Austrian authorities.
The warrant, relating to attempted arson attacks in Austria last year, was issued by the Vienna Public Prosecutor’s Office on October 30, with a confirmation certificate issued by the Attorney General on Friday last week.
The Schengen Information System was subsequently alerted earlier today.
Inspector Roderick Spiteri said police arrived at Jankulov’s residence and arrested him at 5.30am. He was informed of the contents of the warrant and of why Austrian authorities were seeking him, and of his rights.
Legal aid lawyer Yanica Barbara Sant questioned why the Austrian authorities did not opt for a European Investigation Order, instead of a European Arrest Warrant, which should have been a “last resort”.
She argued that Jankulov insisted he had never visited Austria and had resided in Malta for over eight years. She said he had a steady job and is expecting a child with his wife in the next two months.
Barbara Sant said the Austrian authorities could have carried out inquiries in Malta if they had submitted a European Investigation Order.
The validity of the arrest was not contested, and Jankulov consented to extradition to Austria.
The magistrate warned him that such consent is irrevocable, and he confirmed his decision.
Bail was not requested.
Inspector Roderick Spiteri prosecuted, legal aid lawyer Yanica Barbara Sant appeared for Jankulov.