A Court of Criminal Appeal yesterday upheld the Attorney General’s request to overturn a decision with regard to an Italian man who is facing criminal proceedings related to money-laundering, making false declarations, using false documents and defrauding Casino Di Venezia.

On 1 January 2007, the magistrates’ court handed down a decree, effectively deciding that there were insufficient reasons for Gaetano Caramazza, 58, from Palermo, Sicily, to be charged with fraud and falsification of cheques.

However, the Court of Criminal Appeal upheld that the magistrates’ court had not been correct in handing down such a decision, as it made no sense to drop two of the charges, but still charge the man with money-laundering and making false declarations.

The court therefore ordered the continuation of proceedings against Mr Caramazza.

Chief Justice Vincent De Gaetano presided over the case.

Dr Jose Herrera and Dr Veronique Dalli appeared for the accused.