A 46-year-old German employee who resides in Ta’ Xbiex has pleaded guilty to defrauding his employer €32,000.

The man, whose name is not being published to protect the identity of his employer, was arraigned under arrest before Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras.

He admitted that he had instructed a foreign company to deposit funds in his own account rather than that of his employer.

Police inspector Raymond Aquilina told the court that, initially, it was thought that the sum defrauded was of €89,500 but it later transpired that not all the transactions which he had redirected, had actually gone through. 

For this reason the sum was revised down to about €32,000. However, lawyer Kathleen Grima, who appeared parte civile for the employer, said inquiries were still ongoing, and so the sum swindled could still vary.

She also requested the court to ban the publication of her client's name arguing that this could harm the company's reputation. 

The accused who pleaded guilty to all eight charges, told the court he was willing to repay the stolen money, albeit through monthly installments.

The court postponed judgment to January 29. It also imposed a freezing order on the man’s assets.

Lawyer Simon Micallef Stafrace was legal aid.