Police from the Italian Riviera city of Bordighera have arrested a Maltese national on suspicion of having illegally detained and robbed an unidentified citizen of Monaco, the Independent of Malta reports.

Italian media said that a 29-year-old Maltese – identified only by his initials G.M. – had been arrested on Tuesday night by Italian police after a 30-year-old Monaco citizen ran out into the street and hailed a passing ambulance asking for help after having been robbed in a garage.

According to the alleged victim, at around 2 pm he had been invited by G.M., an acquaintance of his, to his home in Bordighera, apparently to show him a car he could possibly buy from him.

When the Monagasque entered the garage, instead of a car he found two other men who threatened him, beat him up by kicking and punching him, and took €900 from him saying it was money that the victim had taken from them.

The victim, who denied having taken any money from the Maltese and his companions, was held in the garage for at least an hour at the mercy of his captors and was able to escape when they were momentarily distracted. He ran into the road and saw a passing ambulance that he flagged down for help. The victim will be in recovery for at least 10 days, having sustained a number of bruises to the face and chest.
The Italian police apprehended the Maltese, but his accomplices are reportedly still being sought. He was arraigned and granted bail. Italian investigators are now examining the relationship between the victim and his assailants, as well as the motive behind the attack.