An Indian businessman has been jailed for 13 months in connection with the largest ever seizure of counterfeit money in Maltese history.

Leather goods importer Ravi Kumar had been arrested at the airport last May. He had been trying to leave the island when he was found to be carrying over 1,152 fake €100 banknotes and 20 fake €50 banknotes - a face value of some €116,200 (although the judgement actually said €106,200).

The court ordered the destruction of the counterfeit notes.

Although the accused had initially denied the charges, Magistrate Josette Demicoli noted that he had later changed his plea and admitted his guilt.

After taking into account the accused's clean criminal record and the serious nature of the crime, the court sentenced Mr Kumar to 13 months imprisonment, also ordering him to pay €576.21 for the costs incurred in the appointment of experts.

Police superintendent Ian Joseph Abdilla prosecuted.