A man was swindled out of €6,700 after falling for the black money scam of a Cameroonian fraudster who came to Malta purposely, a court heard yesterday.

Alex Rabane Awal, 39, who lives in France and travelled to Malta using someone else’s documents, pleaded guilty to fraud.

He admitted obtaining money on false pretences and making a fraudulent gain through the scam.

He was apprehended at the airport as he tried to leave Malta with a passport that did not belong to him and with €5,500 in cash.

Police Inspector Maurice Curmi told Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit the investigation had begun when a Maltese man went to the police after suspecting that something was amiss.

Mr Awal appealed for clemency, telling the magistrate it was the first time he had done anything of the sort. The magistrate promptly replied: “That is what I hear every day.” The accused asked for a few days to contact his wife and get the money to repay the victim.

The case was put off to Monday when a judgment is expected.

Remanding Mr Awal in custody, the magistrate said: “I cannot let you out and about. We have none of your documents and you have no fixed address here in Malta. I have a duty to protect other people too.”

Lawyer Joseph Ellis defended.

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