Libyans who bought gold from Malta charged with money laundering

Two Libyans charged with money laundering, this morning, have been remanded in custody. They pleaded not guilty.

Police Inspector Ian Abdilla told the court that Tarek Ahmed Bu Menjel, 45, and Farag Salem Mohamed Alshoshi, 40, were caught trying to leave Malta with €50,000 worth of gold ingots and 16 gold rings.

Defence lawyer Stephen Tonna Lowell said Mr Alshoshi was a businessman who had been coming to Malta to buy gold since 1994.

After taking into consideration that the two men had no ties in Malta, Magistrate Audrey Demicoli remanded them in custody.