Lilu King: Accused spent €3,800 in cash on luxury items from one shop in just eight months

In just six months, Mohamed Ali Ahmed Elmushraty, known as ‘Lilu l-King’ had spent around €3,800 on luxury items from a particular shop, always paying in cash, a court heard on Monday.

During a raid at his property in Portomaso, a significant amount of luxury items, including trainers and accessories, were found, along with several luxury cars, including Range Rovers, three Mercedes vehciles, and a BMW. When asked about his occupation, Lilu l-King claimed he had a shop and was preparing to open another establishment.

The compilation of evidence on Libyan-born Al Mushraty, a boxer, who stands charged with money laundering, tax evasion and participation in organised crime continued on Monday. He is also facing other charges relating to breaching bail conditions and unlicensed driving. 

Earlier in Monday’s sitting, Luke Chetcuti, as CEO of Hugo’s hospitality group and landlord of a number of Paceville establishments, testified about a 10-year lease agreement signed with a third party whose name was previously banned by the court.

The agreement was signed in August 2019 in respect of the establishment that was to house a Middle Eastern restaurant, later operated as a lounge bar and shisha bar.

Rent was paid by transactions from the third party’s account and was also occasionally paid in cash, some three or four times by “il-Lillu” whom the witness identified and referred to as the third party’s “employee”.

He had known the accused “out and about in Paceville”.

However, he had no knowledge of the relationship between the accused and the third party.

Nor had he anything to do with the way the establishment was operated, explained Chetcuti.

The last rental instalment was paid in June last year.

After facing difficulties in the payment of rent, the lessor received a letter from the lessee requesting the termination of the lease.

The matter subsequently ended up in court.

Police sources indicated accused’s involvement in drug trafficking circles

Superintendent Keith Arnaud also took the stand, revealing that police sources indicated the accused's involvement in a drug trafficking circle. He stated that earlier this year, a task force began monitoring the accused's activities, leading to the discovery of his luxurious lifestyle, which raised suspicions.

During a raid at his property in Portomaso, a significant amount of luxury items, including trainers and accessories, were found, along with several luxury cars, including Range Rovers, three Mercedes, and a BMW. When asked about his occupation, Lilu l-King claimed he had a shop and was preparing to open another establishment.

Further investigations showed that in a period of six months, the accused spent around €3,800 on luxury items from a particular shop, always paying in cash.

When asked by Lawyer Franco Debono if he ever found drugs in the accused's possession, the witness replied negatively, adding that he couldn't provide direct evidence of his involvement in drug trafficking, even if he was associated with people who trafficked drugs.

Inspectors Mark Anthony Mercieca, Alfredo Mangion, and Tomjoe Farrugia are leading the prosecution.

Lawyers Antoine Agius Bonnici and Dejan Darmanin from the Attorney General's office are representing Mohamed Ali Ahmed Elmushraty.

Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri, and Francesca Zarb are appearing for the accused.

The compilation of evidence will continue on the 22 August.