The two Cyprus nationals charged with money laundering have engaged Lautoka-based lawyer Aman Ravindra Singh to defend them in the Suva High Court.

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

On the first count of money laundering, it is alleged in December last year, 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 is alleged also in December last year 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 that where they allegedly possessed $2,039 suspected of being proceeds of crime.

In court yesterday, Judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe and DPP lawyer debated on whether the charges against the brothers should be amended.

The Judge was in favor of the charge to be amended to stealing because it involved taking money from several bank accounts, however, the lawyer was adamant the charge needs to remain as money laundering.

The duo have been remanded in custody.

The matter has been adjourned to December 6 for hearing.