Loizos and Cleanthis Petridis

Two Cyprus nationals facing money laundering charges will be engaging a new counsel.

This comes after their previous counsel Aman-Ravindra Singh’s practicing certificate was not renewed.

Loizos and Cleanthis Petridis face charges involving the withdrawal of cash from several ATMs in Suva two years ago.

On the first count of money laundering, it’s alleged in December 2017, they were allegedly engaged directly or indirectly in obtaining $95,590 which were proceeds of crime – while knowing it was derived from some form of unlawful activity.

For the second count of attempt to obtain property by deception, it’s alleged also in December 2017 they procured $41,540 from the BSP with the intention to permanently deprive the bank of the amount.

They also denied the last count of possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime, where they allegedly possessed $203,009 suspected of being proceeds of crime.

Their trial is expected to start later this year.

High court Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe said that he will not be able to give another trial date as his diary is booked.

The matter has been adjourned to April 16th.