Bag thief’s true identity revealed by Interpol

A man who arrived in Ireland on a Belgian travel document yesterday admitted gardaí were correct on information from Interpol that he was someone else.

Earlier this week, the defendant was convicted in the name Kamal Boukhari who presented as a 40-year-old from Belgium.

However, Det Garda Brian Barron told Cork District Court they had sent a fingerprint from the accused to Interpol and it came back with a match for

that of Sami Balkaciem from Algeria.

The accused man sought bail on a charge of stealing a handbag with almost €1,000 worth of goods and cash on June 26 at Lifestyle Sports in Cork city centre.

Insp Adrian Gamble said gardaí were opposed to bail until they obtained more information from Interpol. Garda Barrons

said more time was needed to check if there were any convictions against Sami Balkaciem in Algeria for instance.

The accused confirmed in court yesterday he was Sami Balkaciem. He said that he bought the false travel document in Antwerp.

Judge Leo Malone remanded him in custody until July 7 to give gardaí an opportunity to further their enquiries. On Monday, the accused was convicted and fined for theft and handling stolen property.

An American dining at Coqbull restaurant, French Church St, Cork, on June 26, had his rucksack stolen.

The defendant was later arrested at a B&B on Lower Glanmire Rd, Cork. In a search of his room, stolen property, including the rucksack

and a handbag stolen from a Cork woman at Grand Parade, Cork, on Saturday afternoon were found. The accused pleaded guilty to stealing the rucksack.

In respect of the handbag, he pleaded guilty to handling stolen property.