A Russian woman yesterday denied marrying a Maltese man to be able to stay in Malta and obtain citizenship.

Natalia Plotnikova, 31, pleaded not guilty to marrying Wayne Briffa, 23, on May 19, 2007 in Valletta.

Police Inspector Louise Calleja said the police had investigated rumours that the couple had gotten married in order for Ms Plotnikova to obtain Maltese citizenship.

The inspector had first spoken to Mr Briffa who admitted to the charge and was handed down a three-year jail term suspended for a year last month. However, the police were then unable to find the accused.

Ms Plotnikova was eventually caught when she turned up to apply for an extension to her visa - a warrant for her arrest had been issued against her and officials alerted the police.

During yesterday's arraignment, Magistrate Lawrence Quintano spoke in Russian when he asked Ms Plotnikova to confirm her particulars, as is standard procedure. She said she already had a Russian husband.

The magistrate granted her bail against a deposit of €500 and personal guarantee of €2,000.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri appeared for the woman.

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