A Cameroonian man who lives in France and who came to Malta with someone else's documents specifically to swindle €6,700 out of a Maltese man, today pleaded guilty to fraud.

Alex Rabane Awal, 39, admitted to obtaining money on false pretences and to making a fraudulent gain through the so-called ‘black-money scam’.

He was apprehended at the airport as he tried leaving Malta with a passport that did not belong to him and with €5,500 in cash in an envelope.

Police Inspector Maurice Curmi told Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit that the investigation began when the Maltese man approached the police after suspecting that something was wrong.

Mr Awal appealed for clemency, telling the magistrate that it was the first time he had done anything of the sort. The magistrate, however, replied: "That is what I hear every day."

He asked for a few days to make arrangements with his wife to have her send the remaining money so he can repay the victim.

Magistrate Stafrace Zammit postponed the case to Monday for judgment. In the meantime he was remanded in custody after the magistrate told him: "I cannot let you out and about. We have none of your documents and you have no fixed address here in Malta. I have a duty to protect other people too."

Lawyer Joseph Ellis appeared for the man.