The Malta Independent can reveal that Naxxar local councillor Clifford Galea’s car was used by the three people who were recently arraigned for using false €50 bank notes in Gozo.

The three; Jordan Azzopardi, 26 from Iklin, Naomi Tanti, 21 from Birkirkara and Silvio Camilleri, 31 from Brikirkara, were arraigned earlier this week in court, and they pleaded not guilty to the charges. They allegedly made a profit of €500 from the change they were given.

Contacted by this newsroom, Mr Galea confirmed that he did lend his car to one of the three, describing him as ‘his friend’, however stressed that he had nothing to do with the actual alleged crime that took place.

“They are from my village, it’s quite common to loan cars to friends. In fact I’m loaning a car from a friend of mine at the moment”.

(File photo)

Police Sources said that they are trying to identify a fourth person, however said that nothing points to Mr Galea being involved in the actual crime at this stage.

During the arraignment, the Court heard how the three went into a number of shops, purchasing cheap items and paying with €50 notes. They allegedly went into pet shops, mini markets and the like. According to reports they went into around 16 shops across Gozo.

It was said in court that one shop owner refused to make a sale, and called the police once they left. The police then launched their investigation.

The court heard that investigations led to the arrest of Azzopardi and Tanti in Marsalforn. They failed to cooperate when being spoken too initially, and the decision was taken to bring them to Malta. Camilleri was arrested at a later stage.