Police uncover ‘largest collection of taxidermied birds'
Man accused of money laundering and illegal bird trade
Police discovered "the largest collection of taxidermied birds" in Malta during investigations into a man suspected of illegally trading in birds.
Kenneth Zammit, 44, from Żurrieq, was charged with money laundering, illegal possession of and trading in birds.
Police had carried out a search operation in connection with the case and found a large number of protected birds in his possession, prompting a wider investigation into money laundering of a €84,000 sum.
Prosecutors are also accusing him of carrying out sales abroad through foreign platforms. A freezing order was imposed on the €84,000 under investigation.
During the sitting, the defence team submitted a note stating that the information held by the police does not amount to an expert opinion.
Lawyers Ishmael Psaila and Amadeus Cachia are representing the accused.
AG lawyers Charmaine Abdilla and Manuel Grech are prosecuting, together with Inspectors Oriana Spiteri and Elliot Magro.
Magistrate Lara Lanfranco presided over the sitting.