Three Romanians have been sentenced to four years and a half in prison each over ‘pickpocketing’ crimes. 

The three men, aged 54, 40, and 39, form part of a group of international organised crime ring of ‘pickpocketing.’ 

The men were also handed a fine of €10,000. 

They were found guilty of committing these crimes on 26 June 2021 on a bus in Sliema; on 30 June 2021, on a bus between Valletta and St Julian’s; on 9 July 2021, on a bus between Victoria and Valletta; on 11 July 2021, in a bus between Mellieħa and Qawra; on 15 July 2021 on a bus between Valletta and Sliema; and on 20 September 2021, at the Malta International Airport. 

In addition to the charges of theft, the Romanians were also convicted of money laundering. 

The Prosecution is being led by Attorneys Francesco Refalo and Jake Darmanin from the Attorney General's Office, assisted by Inspectors Shawn Pawney, Ton Joe Farrugia and Jonathan Ransley.