An unemployed man who entrusted part of his savings to an acquaintance who offered to help him secure a job at Malta Freeport ended up losing his money when the whole affair allegedly turned out to be a swindle.
Tempted by the job prospect, the unsuspecting victim handed over some €5,000 to Emanuel Xerri, 42, from Birkirkara, who had promised to help him get the job.
However, when no job materialised, the alleged victim filed a police report which resulted in the arraignment of the suspected fraudster earlier this afternoon.
Before duty magistrate Gabriella Vella, the man denied the charges of fraud and misappropriation and was granted bail against a deposit of €100 and a personal guarantee of €10,000.
Inspector Doriette Cuschieri prosecuted. Lawyers Franco Debono and Yanika Viadal were defence counsel.