Catamaran passenger's costly day in court

A Chinese visitor to Malta made a costly mistake when he failed to declare to the authorities that he was carrying over €10,000 in cash.

Hao Lin, 26, from Catania arrived on a catamaran yesterday on a voyage form Pozzallo. Customs officials found the man to be carrying some €30,230 in cash, together with a fake €100 banknote.

Assisted by lawyer Melanie Sammut, Lin pleaded guilty to possession of falsified currency and failing to declare his cash.

The court handed him a 13 month sentence, suspended for 2 years. The court also ordered the seizure of the €20,230 together with a 25% fine over the global amount – some €7557.

Inspector Yvonne Farrugia prosecuted.