Fahmi bin Khalifa has already been arrested by a Libyan militia group on related charges. A United Nations investigation connected him with the operations of two suspected smuggling vessels, the Basbosa Star and Sea Master X (ex name Amazigh F). These vessels would allegedly load fuel belonging to Libya’s National Oil Company by lightering from the refinery at Zawyia, then disable their AIS systems for a voyage to a position outside Malta’s territorial seas. The UN report alleged that the Maltese vessel Solia was observed alongside the Star and Sea Master on seven occasions in 2015 at this offshore rendezvous point.

Prosecutors contend that fuel trader Maxcom Bunker purchased the illegally imported fuel at less than half the market price, then distributed it in Italy, Spain and France at normal retail rates. The petroleum product was a lower-quality diesel intended for marine use, and was sold to consumers for use in over-the-road vehicles.