CCTV images lead to arrests over counterfeit money

Images from a closed circuit TV camera proved instrumental in the arrest by the police of three brothers suspected of handing counterfeit money, a magistrate court heard yesterday.

Police Inspector Ian Joseph Abdilla explained how Noel Camilleri, 22, of Iklin, and his brothers Aaron, 26, of Birkirkara and Joseph, 30, of San Gwann were arrested and charged with circulating counterfeit money.

The officer was testifying before Magistrate Antonio Mizzi in the compilation of evidence against the Camilleris who are pleading not guilty to the possession of counterfeit bills, defrauding several service stations and stealing fuel on and before January 21.

He explained that on January 14 the police were informed that two counterfeit Lm10 notes had been used in one of Falzon Service Station's automated machines the previous night.

Then, on January 17, another report was filed by the same station that another two counterfeit Lm10 bills were used to buy diesel.

The police noted that the four counterfeit bills bore the same serial numbers, which were not recognised by the Central Bank.

The officer testified that the time of the transactions was traced and, with the help of the forensic unit, a video recording of the transactions was retrieved from the CCTV system in the area.

The video showed three cars. These were two Isuzu Geminis belonging to Aaron and Joseph Camilleri and a Volkswagen Golf belonging to Noel Camilleri.

The three men were arrested and questioned on January 21. They said they had bought fuel from the station but were not aware that the money was counterfeit.

At the end of yesterday's sitting Magistrate Mizzi ruled there were sufficient reasons for the indictment of the Camilleris.