Security system 'traced' man handling counterfeit notes

A 19-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of making use of counterfeit Lm5 bills at a service station denied any form of involvement, a police sergeant yesterday told a court.

PS Gordon Borg told Magistrate Giovanni Grixti how earlier this month the police received several reports that counterfeit money was being used at the Malta International Airport service station.

Examination of video footage recorded by a closed circuit television (CCTV) directed police towards Ryan Ciappara and, on August 22, police obtained a magistrate's warrant and Mr Ciappara was arrested.

During questioning Mr Ciappara denied ever using counterfeit money. The sergeant was testifying in the compilation of evidence against Mr Ciappara, of Siggiewi, who is pleading not guilty to making use of counterfeit Lm5 bills to the detriment of the MIA service station and other service stations, defrauding them and stealing fuel.

Sergio Camilleri, a service provider at the service station, described how the counterfeit Lm5 bills could be traced to the individual through a security system that included the CCTV and the automated machine.

At the end of the sitting Magistrate Grixti ruled that there were sufficient reasons for Mr Ciappara to be indicted.

The case continues.