A man who claimed he had good contacts in the Freeport, promising jobs there against payment, was yesterday charged with defrauding a number of people of €2,300.

Francis Curmi, 44, from Valletta told the victims he could get them jobs at the Freeport if they paid him, Police Inspector Ivan Cilia told Magistrate Edwina Grima.

The officer said that, although he was not objecting to bail being given, he would like the court to impose strict conditions ensuring the accused did not speak to the victims.

Defence lawyer Malcolm Mifsud insisted his client had not actually committed a crime and just wanted to help the men find a job, suggesting the whole thing might have been a misunderstanding.

Magistrate Grima granted Mr Curmi bail against a personal guarantee of €10,000.