Two Romanian men ended up in court on Sunday after having allegedly knocked on doors in several localities soliciting donations for a charity which does not exist.

The two were tracked down and arrested after complaints made on Facebook by a number of people.

Adrian Ene, 28, the first to be arraigned, was accused of handing out leaflets where he falsely claimed to suffer disabilities and asking for donations.

He told the court he had no idea he was committing fraud.

He initially pleaded guilty to the arrest, saying he did not know what the leaflet contained and that he was sorry. Someone approached him and told him to hand out the leaflet to out to people, he said.

“If you let me go I will go back to my country,” he told the court. He also said he had been sleeping in a car for four days.

However, upon being informed the penalty for his case was effective imprisonment, Mr Ene changed his mind and pleaded not guilty.

Leonard Tanase, 28, was similarly accused of fraud. He pleaded not guilty and told the court he had no residence and no job.

The men were kept under arrest as the case continues.

Lawyer Francine Abela appeared for the accused.
The court was presided by magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo.