A man who defrauded a third party of €140,500 for money laundering purposes has been placed under a four-year probation order and fined €4,732.66, which sum has to be paid within four years.

Michael Camilleri of Qormi, nicknamed tal-bżar, was also placed under a treatment order and his progress has to be reported to the courts after six months.

The accused was also found guilty of forming part of a gang for criminal purposes, committing the crime during the operative period of a suspended sentence and being a relapser.

The court, presided by Magistrate Joseph Mifsud, heard that the injured party had passed on the money to the accused for laundering purposes.

A probation officer testified that the accused was rebuilding his life and had managed to get out of his drug problem after seeking the help of Caritas. However, he had recently relapsed.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Amadeus Cachia appeared for the accused.