Indian businessman handed 13 month sentence for importing €106,200 in fake banknotes

An Indian leather goods importer has been jailed for 13 months in connection with the largest seizure of counterfeit Euro banknotes in Maltese history.

33-year-old businessman Ravi Kumar, from Mahabat Pur Baoli in India, had been arrested at the airport on 18th May last year. Kumar had been trying to leave the island when he was found to be carrying 1,152 fake €100 banknotes and 20 fake €50 banknotes - a face value of some €106,200.

The court ordered that the counterfeit notes be destroyed.

Although Kumar had initially denied the charges, Magistrate Josette Demicoli noted that the accused had later changed his plea and admitted his guilt.

After taking into account the accused's clean criminal record and the serious nature of the crime, the court sentenced the Indian to imprisonment for 13 months, also ordering him to pay €576.21 for the costs incurred in the appointment of experts – in legal tender.

Superintendent Ian Joseph Abdilla prosecuted.