Woman denies trying to buy Rolex watch with fake money
Shaian Zammit paid €6,000 in cash but all the notes were counterfeit
A 27-year-old woman has pleaded not guilty to using counterfeit bank notes in an attempt to buy a Rolex watch.
Shaian Zammit, from Qrendi, appeared in court on Thursday charged with possessing and using counterfeit money, defrauding a man of €6,000, obtaining the watch by false pretences and fraudulent gain.
Zammit was also accused of breaching bail conditions imposed by the Criminal Court in May 2023 and of being a repeat offender.
She denied the charges.
Police inspector Doriette Cuschieri told the court that on August 11 a man reported to police that he had been paid in counterfeit cash for a Rolex watch he had advertised for sale on Facebook.
Initially, a man had contacted him about the watch but no deal was made. Later, a woman reached out and arranged to meet him at Triq il-Belt Valletta in Imqabba. They agreed on a price of €6,000, which she paid in cash, with a further €100 to be handed over later in exchange for the watch’s certificate.
When the seller checked the notes at home using a verification marker, he discovered they were all counterfeit. He went to Żurrieq police station with the cash to report the incident, giving officers the suspect’s description and mobile number.
The following day, while the man was at the station for an update, Zammit happened to turn up. The alleged victim identified her to police, who arrested her on the spot. A search of her home did not turn up the missing watch.
Defence lawyer Nicholas Mifsud requested bail but the prosecution objected arguing there was a risk she would not abide with the court orders and the meeting had taken place near the alleged victim's house.
Mifsud countered that she could offer the necessary guarantees to be granted bail against a €500 deposit and a €4,500 . She was ordered to sign the bail book three times a week. A curfew was imposed.
After hearing the submissions, the court upheld the request and issued a protection order in favour of the alleged victim.
Magistrate Ann Marie Thake presided over the case.
AG lawyer Michael Muscat prosecuted assisted by police inspector Doriette Cuschieri.
Lawyer Nicholas Mifsud appeared for the accused.
Lawyers Franco Debono and Anthea Bonnici Zammit appeared for the alleged victim.