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

Islam Taufiq, a 45-year-old gypsum installer from Balzan, claimed he had carried out work for Bilom Group of companies when it was not true.

In an attempt to push his claim, he filed court proceedings in court which, in turn, froze the company’s assets.

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

But company director Michael Bugeja said he had never hired Mr Taufiq to carry out the works.

Mr Bugeja said he had employed the accused 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.

The inspector also said that Mr Taufiq said during interrogations that he did not keep any records of work carried out and of who owed him what because he relied on his memory.

The case continues.