Two men were charged yesterday with stealing a large quantity of fish over the last three years, to the detriment of Azzopardi Fisheries.

Joseph Quattromani, 40, from St Paul’s Bay, who works as a delivery man with Azzopardi Fisheries, and Tunisian national Mokhtar Boukadi, 48, who is a manager at the fisheries company and who lives in St Paul’s Bay were charged with stealing the fish. Police said the stolen fish was sold for Lm35,000.

Before magistrate Dennis Montebello, the men pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Mr Quattromani was granted bail against a deposit of Lm1,000 and a personal guarantee of Lm1,500, while Mr Boukadi was granted bail against a deposit of Lm1,500 and a personal guarantee of Lm1,000.

Dr Anglu Farrugia appeared for Mr Quattromani and Dr Edward Zammit Lewis appeared for Mr Boukadi.

…and two charged with buying the stolen fish

Soon after, two brothers, who claimed they were fishmongers, were charged with purchasing the allegedly stolen fish for Lm35,000.

Anthony and Renato Micallef, aged 40 and 36 respectively, who both live in Zebbug, were accused of buying the stolen fish and selling it in their fish shop.

The two brothers pleaded not guilty to the charges and Magistrate Dennis Montebello granted them bail against a deposit of Lm1,000 each.

Police inspectors Chris Pullicino and Daniel Zammit prosecuted while Dr Michael Sciriha and Dr Ian Farrugia appeared for the two brothers.

Dr Robert Mangion appeared parte civile for Azzopardi Fisheries.

Magistrate Dennis Montebello upheld a request for Azzopardi fisheries to be able to sell the stolen fish before it goes bad.