Mauro shows neither curiosity nor concern. The 50-year-old man from Turin (Italy) also seemed unimpressed by the decor in the Var Assize Court, where the criminal hearing will take place this Wednesday, July 8. immediate appearance Court of Draguignan.
However, the defendant played the role of his immediate future. That it will pass, as the court decided, for next two years of imprisonment. The Italian farmer will also have to pay fine 10,000 euros and he will not have to set foot in France again for five years after leaving prison.
No more trips to Marseille. It was there, he claims, that he was going on July 6, driving his friend’s car. “He asked me to deliver a bag there. I agreed to be helpful.” – he explains without blinking. We paid 500 euros for the service. “It’s much more expensive than mail delivery.” notes, ironically, the president.
So, Mauro left for 410 kilometers of motorway. “And this without ever looking at what was in the bag?” – asks prosecutor Alexander Apel. – “No, my friend told me it was papers. I didn’t think I’d do that. something illegal. »
Identical serial numbers
During a break in the Vidauban recreation area, he was checked by customs officers. The latter was found at the foot of the passenger seat bag with 50 and 100 euro banknotes. for a total amount of 122,250 euros. Belonging artificial they assume that the serial numbers of some of them are identical.
“We are faced with a typical case of international counterfeiting with all the ensuing consequences in terms of inflation, monetary instability and harm to the economy. – notes Alexander Apel. Faced with this, the defendant gives only light explanations. He is serene. There The answer of justice must be firm. »
“He didn’t know that he was carrying banknotes with him, especially counterfeit ones, object to me in defense of Hamdi Ben Ali. He proved his integrity by giving his phone code and his friend’s contact information. But the investigation went no further. We didn’t call this guy named Yasin, we didn’t even do a DNA test on the tickets…”
Measures that the court does not need to impose “serious facts falling under organized crime » and sentenced Mauro to spend the summer of 2026 in the shadows.