A woman who allegedly masterminded a fake detergent business to skim thousands of euros off her unsuspecting victims, is facing fresh charges after media coverage of the scam prompted additional reports to the police.

Tanya Borg, a 35-year old mother of three from Marsaxlokk, has been undergoing criminal proceedings for having defrauded several individuals out of more than €100,000, by enticing them to invest in a ‘lucrative’ detergent business alongside ‘important people such as police inspectors, lawyers and established entrepreneurs.’

Seated in court today, the woman listened calmly as the prosecution pressed no less than 21 charges related to the fraud and misappropriation of a married couple, four men, a young man and his mother as well as another woman victim, who was allegedly the most vulnerable of all, on account of mental problems.

Economic Crimes officer Inspector Anna Marie Xuereb explained that when the alleged fraudster’s name was published on local media, other persons had stepped forward with claims of having lost their money to the fake detergent scheme.

Gathering all evidence had proved a lengthy task which ultimately resulted in today’s arraignment, the court was told.

The woman, who had been granted bail by another Magistrates’ Court, pleaded not guilty to the multiple charges of fraud and misappropriation, as well as to the falsification of documents and the use thereof.

The woman was further charged with having committed the alleged offences while under the operative period of a suspended sentence as well as with being a relapser.

A request for bail was objected to by the prosecution, arguing that there was a vulnerable witness still to testify, besides other civilian witnesses.

However, lawyer Franco Debono, as defence counsel countered that his client’s situation could only be made worse if she were to be sent behind bars and all hope of refunding the alleged victims would be lost.

Dr Debono pointed out that ever since the woman had been granted bail, she had found a stable job as a cleaner and was doing her best to repay the defrauded persons. Her husband and father were offering their support too, he continued.

Moreover, Ms Borg had rigorously abided by all the bail conditions, never once committing a breach and proving herself trustworthy, Dr Debono observed, adding that if denied bail “matters would only complicate themselves further.”

Magistrate Gabriella Vella, presiding over the hearing, upholding the defence’s arguments, decreed bail against a personal guarantee of €10,000 and an order to sign the bail book three times a week.

Upon a request by the prosecution, the court also issued a freezing order on all assets of the accused held by third parties, granting her the right to receive wages up to some €13,000.

A Protection Order valid for three years was also issued in favour of the vulnerable witness, with the magistrate severely warning the accused not to communicate with any prosecution witness in any manner whatsoever.

Inspectors Anna Marie Xuereb and Elton Taliana prosecuted.

Lawyers Franco Debono and Marion Camilleri were defence counsel.