Frenchman Juste Pascal, 44 from Paris and Bertrand Cyril Ines Bodjongo, 36, resident in Paris but originally from Cameroon, today pleaded not guilty to defrauding Ali Giribi Hani Hassuna Abdulaziz of €6,500 and misappropriating €232.
Police Inspector Yvonne Farrugia testified in court that the two men had defrauded Mr Abdulaziz and had been at the airport leaving the country carrying the €6,500 which they took from him. However the victim had gone to the airport, knowing that they were leaving, started an argument with them and then called for the police.
The men were arrested and the cash was found in their possession.
In submissions on bail, the police inspector explained that the accused knew the victim and they knew he had a shop and where he lived. There was a fear that they might commit the same crime again.
Legal aid lawyer Richard Sladden said that by that yardstick, nobody would be granted bail.
Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna remanded the men in custody.