Two men have been remanded in custody after being charged with what is termed as 'black money scam'. 

This occurs when the person in question attempts to obtain money from the victim by persuading him that piles of black paper is really money which has been dyed black. The conman then shows a small sample of the money, washing the black liquid off from one bank note, and the victim is persuaded to pay an amount of money for the  'bank notes' and washing liquid. In reality however, it is merely a fraud.

Calice Djiele Nkwessa, 39 and Bertin Boyomo Nfonkeu, 30 are being charged with trying to make a gain of €250,000 to the detriment of Clayton Falzon. The accused approached Mr Falzon and applied iodine to one black note, which turned into a €50 note. They then persuaded him to pay €250,000 for a briefcase filled with such black notes. They claimed the money could not be exported because of legislations within their homeland. Nwkessa originates from South Africa while Nfonkeu from Cameron. Both however reside in Leeds, UK.

Following a report to the police by the victim, the two men were arrested. They pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Defence counsel Anthony Cutajar requested bail, however this was denied by the court, and they have been remanded in custody.

Inspector Ian Joseph Abdilla prosecuted. Magistrate Marsann Farrugia presided.