Intensive investigations in relation to the sale of fake and illegal items on the internet, as well as money laundering, led to the arrest of a 26 year old Maltese man.

Investigations began after police received anonymous information in regards to a TikTok account, wherein the person was advertising the sale of fake brand watches.

The sales were taking place using cash, allegedly to be used in the laundering of money.

The investigation showed that the same person was advertising the illegal installation of beacon lights and sirens on private vehicles.

The police force held a surveillance mission, with the suspect being arrested as he was driving a vehicle with activated beacon lights and a siren. The vehicle was not registered with authorities and without a license.

A search in the person’s residence yielded various fake watches, bags and jewellery, along with a number of beacon lights and sirens.

In the same residence, pepper-spray and a significant amount of cash were found.

A number of white credit cards were also found, synonymous with credit card fraud cloning. Fake euros were also being marketed, with the payments taking place via cryptocurrency.

Further investigations also showed dark web deals for the buying of illegal substances, including drugs from China. The man is expected to be taken to court today at noon.

#MaltaDaily