Man denies acquiring stolen €1.5 million luxury car found at his home
Police located the Mercedes 300SL following a tip-off from US authorities
A 77-year-old man has denied acquiring a stolen luxury vehicle worth €1.5 million after police towed it from his home following a tip from US authorities.
Michael Spiteri from Xewkija appeared before the court on Thursday afternoon, accused of acquiring stolen articles.
Police inspector Shawn Pawney explained that the police had been informed by US authorities that a stolen Mercedes 300SL of substantial value was most likely in Malta. The police were provided with the details and found it in Spiteri’s possession.
Officers visited his residence, but Spiteri was not in Malta at the time; he frequently spends time abroad. They found the car and towed it away.
Spiteri later contacted the police through his lawyers before attending the Police Headquarters on February 18, when he was first arrested and later released on bail. The man was arrested again on Wednesday and arraigned earlier today.
Responding to a question from the defence, the police inspector specified that the vehicle is a collector’s item.
Spiteri man denied the charges.
Defence lawyer Franco Debono requested bail, to which the prosecution did not object.
The court granted the man bail against a €1,500 deposit and a €3,000 personal guarantee.
He was ordered to sign the bail book three times a week, among other conditions.
Magistrate Elaine Rizzo presided.
Police Inspector Shawn Pawney prosecuted.
Lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Adreana Zammit appeared for the accused.
Correction: an earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the man was charged with having the stolen vehicle in his possession; he was charged with acquiring stolen property.