Despite public displays of exuberant wealth, Libyan boxer and Paceville kingpin Lilu King, “lived like a ghost” with no trace of his existence with tax authorities, VAT, social services or even property.

This was revealed by police inspector Mark Mercieca, who took the stand in the trial against the Libyan boxer Mohamed Ali Ahmed Elmushraty, on Monday.

Elmushraty was arrested last month on charges of money laundering, tax evasion and involvement in organised crime. He also faces charges in connection with breaching several bail conditions and unlicensed driving.

Elmushraty is one of several people being investigated for links to organised crime connected to drug trade. Police were alerted to Elmushraty due to his particularly luxurious lifestyle, despite applying for refugee status and having no declared income in Malta.

Authorities observed him in a surveillance operation that lasted three months from 24th February to 24th May, in which police saw him using several luxury vehicles and spending time with people who are “well known to the police in connection with drug importation.”

The boxer and “self-employed” entrepreneur was arrested around late May, with large quantities of cash, jewellery and pricey clothes found in the apartments.

These were confiscated along with a number of luxury vehicles.

The case was adjourned to next week.

This is not the first time the Libyan boxer found himself in hot water.

Elmushraty’s first run-in with the law dates back to 2016 when he was arrested at Malta International Airport after customs found 30kg of undeclared shisha tobacco hidden inside washing powder containers.

He was later accused of the attempted homicide of three Paceville bouncers whom he allegedly attacked with a Samurai sword in May 2016.

The boxer had fled after the incident, only to be arrested in October 2016 with links to an armed robbery. In 2021, he was once again accused of attacking another two people with a Samurai sword.

Follow for more updates on the case of Lilu King