An elaborate plan to defraud companies was exposed in court yesterday as a man pleaded not guilty to buying €25,000 worth of goods from television sets to coffee.

The man who the police believe masterminded the plan, Kenneth Camilleri, 31, from Qormi, came across a cheque book belonging to a man, Saviour Grima, who died about three years ago.

Mr Camilleri, who picked his victims from the Yellow Pages, phoned companies presenting himself as a representative of ship chandelling firm Salvo Grima & Sons Limited and placed orders for goods.

He used the cheques to pay for the purchases and escaped suspicion because the name printed on them was similar to the name of the company he purportedly represented, Police Inspector Jonathan Ferris told the court.

The items were then sold with Mr Camilleri pocketing about €25,000, sources said.

Mr Camilleri, who pleaded not guilty, did not ask for bail and was remanded in custody.

Police Inspectors Carol Fabri and Arthur Mercieca also prosecuted.

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