Four Romanian men were given a suspended jail sentence today and fined €500 each after a court heard how they threatened a businessmen after a deal went sour.

Marian Andrisca, 31, Ionut Diaconu, 37, Marius Gabriel Diaconu, 37 and Florin Lepadatu, 36, were charged with stalking the Maltese businessman, threatening him and his family, including with the use of communications equipment and breaching the public peace.

Sources explained that the case revolved around a 2007 multi-million deal that fell through. The businessman was an intermediary in the acquisition of a quarry situated in the Mellieha bypass by a Russian investor. The area was to be sold for LM6.5 million (€15.1 million) to be developed into luxury apartments. Around LM1.8 million (€4.2 million) had already been paid when the deal turned sour.

The four Romanians were allegedly sent to Malta to intimidate the intermediary and recoup the money. They reportedly warned him that they knew where he lived and where his children went to school and gave him 24 hours to pay the LM1.8 million.

The men pleaded guilty before Magistrate Josette Demicoli and were handed a two-year jail term, suspended for four years. They were also fined €500 each. The court also issued a protection order in favour of the businessman and his family and warned the accused not to approach him or communicate with him in any way.

Inspectors Jason Sultana and John Spiteri prosecuted. Lawyer Noel Bianco appeared for the Romanians.