Image source: Madang-Ples Bilong Mi
A man was found guilty by the National Court to have received stolen money amounting to more than K500,000 in cash obtained from an armed robbery.
Ricky Antino from Yababi village in Kainantu, Eastern Highlands Province, was charged under section 410 of the Criminal Code Act for being in possession of proceeds of crime.
Anito is accused of receiving K580,000, the money was stolen from Maybank Limited between 1st October and 31st November in Port Moresby.
The court heard that on 17th October 2013, the accused was transporting the total amount of the loot of K6 million to Bereina in the Central Province when he was arrested by police.
The offender admitted to police he received such monies but not aware that they were proceeds from an armed robbery. The state alleged that he assisted the suspects and was paid in return.
Justice Panuel Mogish told the courtroom that in this case, substantial amount of money was received by the offender and a deterrent sentence is called for.
Justice Mogish added that people who assist criminals by knowingly receiving proceeds from crimes must be jailed for a long time and the offender is no exception.
The accused was sentenced to 6 years and 11 months imprisonment with his bail money forfeited to the state saying it is money derived from stolen property.
