The Chief Resident Magistrates Court in Lilongwe on Friday ordered a Sri Lankan national, Kankaninge Anura Piyatana Alwis aged 63 to pay K200,000 for being found guilty of committing money laundering offense.
It is reported that, in the year 2017 Alwis indulged in money laundering activities amounting to U$310 thousand (Over K300 million) in Lilongwe.
Passing the sentence, Chief Resident Magistrate, Madalitso Chimwaza ordered Alwis to pay K200 thousand as fine or serve a 12 months custodial sentence in default.
Chimwaza said that the court decision was made based on the mitigating factors which are followed when passing the sentence.
“The accused person pleaded guilty to his charges, he is also a first time offender, he also paid back some of the money and he is also 63 years old which as court we consider that age as old,” Chimwaza said.
Reacting to the sentence, Senior State Advocate, Mathews Chione said the state was satisfied with the sentence.
“The fine is stipulated by the law, it looks little but that is what the law says and we are happy as that is the maximum sentence the court was supposed to impose,” he said.
In a separate interview, one of the defense lawyers for Alwis, Wesley Namasala of Wilberforce Attorneys also said as the defense they were happy with the sentencing.
Meanwhile the offender has paid the fine as per ordered.
