An Italian man wanted in Italy on charges related to the mafia has been arrested in Malta, the police said.

The 42-year-old resides in Swieqi, and was arrested in an operation called OP RICH which involved the participation of the Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism Unit.

The man is well known in igaming circles and will be charged in court in the coming days before he is extradited.

He is wanted in Italy in connection with associating himself with a criminal organisation and the taking of illegal bribes.

He is the sixth person to be arrested in Malta this year following a European Arrest Warrant issued against him.