KUALA LUMPUR: Alleged Israeli hitman Shalom Avitan has been charged at the Sessions Court with possession of six pistols and 158 bullets.

       The 38-year-old claimed trial to charges under Section 7 of the Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act with trafficking firearms and Section 8(a) or the Arms Act for possession of firearms or ammunition after the charges were read out in English.

       He faces the death penalty or life imprisonment for the charge under the Firearms Act and seven years' jail or a RM10,000 fine for the charge under the Arms Act.

       No bail was not granted to Avitan.

       May 21 was also set for next mention of the case.

       Avitan was then led away to a police truck and convoy that were seen leaving the court complex at around 10.50am.

       On March 27, the suspect was arrested at a hotel in Jalan Ampang with six pistols and 200 bullets in his possession.

       StarPicks

       Sime Darby Property to launch Elmina Ridge in April

       ALSO READ: Israeli 'spy' arrives to be charged as media swarms KL Court Complex

       The pistols included a Sig Sauer, two Glocks and a Smith & Wesson.

       The IGP said during interrogation, the suspect told police that he came to Malaysia to kill a fellow Israeli over a family dispute.

       A total of 16 individuals have been detained in connection with the case so far.

       Among those detained were a local married couple aged 40 and 42 who allegedly sold the pistols to the Israeli and another man who was Avitan's driver.