Nitesh Kumar, who was convicted of one count of money laundering, was sentenced to two years in jail, suspended for three years by the Suva Magistrates Court on Friday.

Kumar, 30, appeared before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne.

Kumar and an accomplice, between April 22, 2009 and April 12, 2010 in Suva, received the sum of $9888.67 being the proceeds of crime, through his ANZ Bank account knowing or ought to reasonably know that the money was derived directly or indirectly from some form of unlawful activity.

Kumar had pleaded not guilty.

The mitigating factors is that Kumar is the only sole bread winner of his family and is looking after his elderly parents and asked the court’s forgiveness and leniency.

Magistrate Somaratne said: “You played a minor part in this offence and there is no evidence that you have benefited from that. Further the main person involved in this offence has been already given a suspended sentence by another court and giving a custodial sentence for you would be harsh and excessive in my view.”

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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