Accused of €873,491 fraud when buying 64 vehicles

A hawker yesterday pleaded not guilty to defrauding the Toyota agents in Malta of €873,491 in August 2003 when he allegedly purchased 64 vehicles under false pretences.

Glen Debattista, 49, from Sliema had originally bought a car rental company from Raymond Cortis but the permits for the rental car service were not transferred to him.

He then allegedly approached Michael Debono Ltd to buy the cars, using Mr Cortis's identity, the prosecution is claiming.

Mr Debattista signed a total of 62 contracts for 55 Toyota cars from Michael Debono Ltd and nine Perodua vans from Rohan Motors Limited of which 10 vehicles were returned, Police Inspector Angelo Gafà said.

Magistrate Michael Mallia heard that the Toyota cars are valued at €750,966.69 and the vans are worth €122,525.04.

The court asked the prosecution how was it possible that the accused purchased all the cars without using an identity card and the prosecuting officer explained that Mr Debattista used a copy of Mr Cortis's card where the picture was slightly darkened making it hard to see. In asking for bail, defence lawyer Joseph Giglio said the case is five years old and there had been many exchanges between the companies involved and Mr Debattista in order to reach a compromise. A number of the cars have already been returned, he said.

The prosecuting officer said he would oppose bail because of the amounts involved. He did remark however that Mr Debattista fully cooperated with the police throughout their investigations.

After taking into consideration the fact that there was no fear that Mr Debattista would either approach witnesses or leave the island, Magistrate Mallia granted him bail against a personal guarantee of €50,000.

Lawyer Josè Herrera also appeared for Mr Debattista.