Footage taken from CCTV cameras was used to identify a man wanted for an ATM scam - leading to his arrest while he was waiting to catch a bus to the Malta International Airport

Bulgarian national Stoyan Gerginov Oryashkov, 32, was apprehended following a police operation kicked off by confidential information regarding the presence of three skimming devices inconspicuously attached to three ATMs in Paceville, used to steal the personal details from bank cards.

A close examination of the CCTV footage from the three sites eventually led investigators to construct a possible image of the suspect.

The man was ultimately tracked down at a bus stop, allegedly just about to make his way to the airport to leave the country.

Appearing in court on Friday, assisted by an interpreter, the man immediately admitted to multiple charges, including that of having conspired to commit a fraud, tampered with a computer network, unlawfully obtained data or software and attempted fraud.

“The Maltese people have a big heart. All are welcome here, but understand that when foreigners come to Malta they must abide by the laws of our country, in particular criminal laws,” magistrate Joseph Mifsud remarked, addressing the accused who nodded in understanding.

However, in view of the man’s early guilty plea and full cooperation, the court handed down a 2-year effective jail term, pointing out that the offences charged carried a maximum potential jail term of five years.

At the end of the sitting, the court authorised the accused to take back his personal possessions - clothes, shoes and sunglasses - exhibited in court, as these had been used to help identify the suspect in the footage.

Inspector Matthew Vella prosecuted.
Lawyer Victor Bugeja was legal aid counsel.