Malta probes how Libyans, Algerians, got Schengen visas; worry that Europe’s security at risk

VALLETTA, Malta –  Lawmakers from France and Italy are worried about possible security risks following allegations that hundreds of Libyans obtained Maltese residency permits with bribes and that Malta’s consulate in Algeria doled out thousands of visas to Algerians apparently intent of using the documents to gain a foothold on the European continent.

Members of the European Parliament are pressing the European Commission to determine whether practices by Maltese authorities might be jeopardizing the security of other European Union nations since anyone with a visa or document to reside in Malta can travel unfettered through Europe. The latest concern was raised by a French EU parliamentarian on Tuesday, before an EU migration summit hosted by Malta that ended Thursday.

A Maltese man is on trial for allegedly falsifying documents for Libyans seeking documents.

Source: Associated Press