Two Syrians with fake passports arrested at airport (2)

(ANSA) - Rome, November 20 - Police on Friday arrested two Syrian nationals who were trying to leave for Malta from Rome's Ciampino airport with fake passports. The arrests are linked to the recent arrests of two other Syrian nationals also bearing false passports at Bergamo's Orio al Serio international airport, sources said.
    The two suspects aged 18 and 19 had fake passports from Norway and France. One of the two has requested asylum in Austria.
    Police are hunting illegal networks helping foreigners transit through Italy by providing them with fake papers and airline tickets in exchange for money or committing crimes for racketeering organizations.
    Security protocols have been ramped up at all Italian airports following last Friday's bloody Islamic terrorist attacks that left 130 dead. The protocols include extraordinary measures for screening passengers, including those coming from the passport-free Schengen Area.