A man was stopped at Glasgow Airport before catching a flight to Toronto with a fake Latvian passport.
Nikoloz Kokhreidze, 40, was flagged up by Canadian border control when they had suspicions about his passport and travel documentation.
Airport officials at Glasgow Airport were told of the concerns and they managed to track him down when he checked in for his Toronto flight on March 26, this year.
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Procurator fiscal depute David McDonald told Paisley Sheriff Court that Ms Dickson, an airline manager for Air Transat airlines received an email from CBSA (Canadian Border Force) regarding concerns for a passenger known as ‘Arturs Vezis.’
Mr McDonald explained: “Around 2.15am on Saturday, March 26, Ms Dickson was continuing her duties.
“At 2.45am Ms Menzies began her duties as a security agent and began assisting passengers.
“At this time, Ms Menzies was approached by the accused who provided his passport and travel documents.
“These documents were in the name on ‘Arturs Vezis.’
“While speaking with the accused, Ms Menzies became suspicious due to discrepancies in the details he provided. She contacted CBSA about their concerns.”
The court heard the CBSA advised Ms Menzies to contact UK Border Force or the police to deny Kokhreidze travel.
Mr McDonald added: “About 3.30am police spoke with Ms Dickson who advised them of the circumstances and handed over the Latvian passport which had the accused’s photograph but with the details of ‘Arturs Vezis.’
“Police spoke with the accused and established he spoke very little English and a translator was sought.
“At 8.50am CBSA advised Ms Menzies that the picture of the rightful holder of the passport was different to the picture of the accused and therefore was a false passport.
“Police then contacted UK Border Force officers based within the airport.”
Mr McDonald added: “The accused was advised he was under arrest and the Latvian passport was seized.
“The accused freely stated to the translator, ‘I can provide you with my real passport.’
“The accused went into his backpack and handed over another passport to police, this was a Georgian passport with the accused’s name and date of birth. He was then arrested.”
Defence agent Kirsty McGeehan that reports would be necessary in this case.
Sheriff Brian Mohan deferred sentencing until June 1.
Kokhreidze was remanded in custody meantime.
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