A Ghanaian businessman who arrived at the airport with more than €35,000 in cash in a bag was yesterday fined after he admitted to failing to declare the large sum.

Darkwa Kwateng, 42, who came to Malta to buy industrial distribution switch gear, was stopped by Customs officers on his arrival from Dubai on Sunday. Mr Kwateng pleaded guilty to failing to declare an amount that exceeded the €10,000 limit allowed by law.

Police Inspector Ivan Cilia confirmed that Mr Kwateng was here to buy equipment, so much so that his Maltese supplier was present for the arraignment.

Lawyer Joseph Giglio asked the court to apply the provisions of the law, that is, that a person exceeding the permissible amount should be fined one fourth of the global sum.

Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna fined Mr Kwateng €8,970 and ordered that the money be taken from the wads of cash produced in court by the Customs officers.

Lawyer Steve Tonna Lowell also appeared for Mr Kwateng.

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