Arraigned for not declaring money

Two Syrian men who were caught with a total of €30,570 (Lm13,120) in cash when trying to leave the island were arraigned in court and accused of not declaring their money for exchange control purposes.

Olian Ali Chikh, 34 and Kasem Al Awad, 43, were charged with not declaring the money when trying to leave the island. Mr Kasem who pleaded not guilty was found with €17,000 (Lm7, 296.17) and $2,100 and was granted bail against a personal guarantee of €1000 (Lm 429.18) and a deposit of €150 (Lm64.37).

Mr Olian represented by lawyer Marion Camilleri pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined €890 (Lm381.97).

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli took into consideration that by law an individual is allowed to leave the country with a maximum of €10,000 (Lm 4291.84). Dr Camilleri told the court that her client had been found with €13,570 (Lm5, 824) and $450 so any fine imposed should be calculated on the amount which is in excess.
Police Inspector Maurice Curmi prosecuted.

Lawyers Marion Camilleri and Franco Debono appeared for Mr Olian.

Lawyer Stephen Tonna Lowell and Joeseph Giglio appeared for Mr Kasem.