An Egyptian plasterer made false claims against a construction company in an attempt to extort money, a magistrate heard yesterday.

Islam Taufiq, a 45-year-old gypsum board installer from Balzan, claimed he had carried out work on three different properties for the Bilom Group of companies. He even initiated court proceedings which led to the company’s assets being frozen.

Police Inspector Yvonne Farrugia, from the Economic Crimes Unit, told Magistrate Anthony Vella the accused had signed two false declarations claiming he was owed €16,800 by the Bilom Group.

Company director Michael Bugeja insisted he had never hired Mr Taufiq to carry out the works. The accused had been employed to carry out gypsum works at two company properties eight years ago. He was dissatisfied with Mr Taufiq’s work and dismissed him after paying him in full, Mr Bugeja said.

The investigating officer said Mr Taufiq told the police he did not keep any records of the work carried out or of debtors because he relied on his memory. He insisted he was owed money for work he had carried out on an apartment that had since been sold.

Mr Bugeja testified that as a result of the court orders, he had to postpone the sale of about 50 apartments, valued at about €5 million. It was only after reaching an agreement with the banks that he was allowed to deposit the sum being claimed and continue with business operations.