The court of criminal appeal fined a Frenchman e11,650 for exporting military equipment.

Jean Jacques Fuentes, 48, was previously acquitted by another court however the judgement was reconsidered on the Attorney General’s appeal.

The case revolved around two military aeroplanes that were brought to Malta from Kenya. These were later exported to the Ivory Coast.

Fuentes was brought to Malta and faced legal action in 2008 for transporting the aeroplanes in a container without the necessary permits in 2004.

The court of criminal appeal, presided by Mr Justice David Scicluna, said the aeroplane was used for military training, to the contrary of what the accused had declared.

Lawyers Joseph Gigio and Robert Abela appeared for the accused.