A man suspected of forming part of a pickpocketing gang was remanded in custody after his arraignment on Tuesday.

Daniel Maftei, 47, who works as a mechanic back home, was arrested at the airport after his return to Malta on Monday.

He stands accused of several thefts on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day at Valletta.

He pleaded not guilty to stealing a wallet containing cash and credit cards, the unlawful use of one of the cards to withdraw some €1,450 from an ATM, the misuse of an electronic password as well as the theft of another wallet and two separate instances of attempted theft from an ATM.

Police sources explained how Mr Maftei was suspected to form part of a pickpocketing gang that travelled between Romania and Malta.

In a brief hearing, Mr Maftei pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody. No request for bail was made at this stage.

Inspector Jeffrey Scicluna prosecuted.

Lawyer Lennox Vella was defence counsel.

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