Two jailed for dealing in counterfeit money

Two men were both sentenced to six months imprisonment yesterday after pleading guilty to dealing in counterfeit money.

The prosecution asked for the details of one of the men, "the middle man", in Police Inspector Ian Abdilla's words, not to be released as he was assisting them with further investigations.

Magistrate Michael Mallia jailed both "the middle man" and 56-year-old Carmel Sultana from Hamrun for six months after they pleaded guilty to charges of possession and dealing in counterfeit money.

The charges, Inspector Abdilla said, followed an investigation, spread out over the past year and a half, pointing out that the information given by "the middle man" would hopefully secure more arrests.

Joseph Meilaq, 24, of Birzebbuga, was arraigned on Thursday and accused of circulating counterfeit money.

Some 25 Lm10 counterfeit notes were found in Mr Sultana's possession. He admitted to having bought the notes from "the middle man" for an undisclosed sum of money. Both men, cooperated with the police and released detailed statements.

The magistrate considered their cooperation and their early guilty plea when handing down sentence.

Martin Fenech was defence counsel.