Family with no answers after Libyan militia arrests Maltese over trafficking claims Jesmond Vella, aged 45, known as Il-Bulgaru, was arrested at Zuwarah on suspicion of human smuggling and drug trafficking on 5 April 7 May 2021, 8:47am by Matthew Vella The family of a Maltese man arrested in Libya a month ago has raised concerns about his wellbeing. Jesmond Vella, aged 45, known as Il-Bulgaru, was arrested at Zuwarah on suspicion of human smuggling and drug trafficking on 5 April. The operation was carried out by the Rada Special Deterrence Forces, in what was initially feared to be a kidnapping. It appears the order of the arrest came from the Libyan Attorney General.