Feds Go All The Way To Malta To Bust Two San Diegans Accused Of Illegal Toxics Dumping

[hatrack]

SAN DIEGO — U.S. officials have tracked down a La Mesa native living in Malta and hauled him into federal court in San Diego on allegations that he polluted San Diego Bay with concrete, scrap metal, plastic and other waste in 2006.

Robert Fred Smith was one of 20 fugitives on the Environmental Protection Agency's list of scofflaws, EPA officials said yesterday. They accuse him of dumping materials from the renovation of a large fishing vessel into the harbor at the B Street Pier as part of a conspiracy to avoid disposal costs. Smith, 45, and the boat's owner, Joseph Anthony O'Connor, 58, then allegedly lied to Coast Guard inspectors who had received tips about nighttime dumping at the 150-foot F/V Maru, according to court documents.

In 2007, federal officials filed a six-count indictment against Smith, O'Connor and Britannia Shipping Ltd., a Nevada-based company incorporated by O'Connor. The two men were out of the country when the charges were filed. Interpol, an international police organization, issued “wanted” notices for O'Connor and Smith last year. O'Connor was born in Ireland and apparently was living with Smith in the Mediterranean Sea island country of Malta.

A new extradition treaty between the United States and Malta took effect July 1, opening the door for authorities to arrest O'Connor and Smith. Based on a tip sent to the EPA fugitives Web site, U.S. federal agents confirmed O'Connor's whereabouts and arrested him in July. He is in custody and going through the extradition process. Smith surrendered to authorities in Malta after O'Connor's arrest, according to the EPA. His first court appearance took place Monday in U.S. District Court in San Diego.

EDIT

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/12/pollution-suspects-arrested-malta/?metro&zIndex=147929

[eppur_se_muova]

1. Is the EPA hiring ex-Mounties now?

(Because "The Mounties always get their man", according to Canadian traditional lore.)