An Italian businessman who allegedly swindled two local construction companies out of thousands of euros, was remanded in custody on Wednesday after pleading not guilty.

Prosecuting Inspector Yvonne Farrugia said Angelo Distefano, 32, a director of Prisma Group s.r.l.of Catania, was being accused of having swindled €20,000, from one company and €13,000 from the other. The police were not excluding other potential victims.

Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, heard how Distefano would entice local entrepreneurs with business ventures, only to vanis after defaulting on payments.

Defence lawyer Joseph Brincat argued that this was a civil matter and that there had been no fraudulent intent on the part of his client who just could not honour business commitments on time.

Moreover, were he to be granted bail, the man could easily be traced in Sicily.

Magistrate Frendo Dimech disagreed, pointing out that Italian nationals were evading justice before the Maltese courts on account of the way how Italian authorities were applying a provision under their penal code allowing such persons to face justice in their home country.

The prosecution further pointed out that the man had no ties in Malta, no fixed residence and no job. Moreover, civilian witnesses were still to testify.

Lawyer Joseph Giglio, appearing parte civile for one of the defrauded companies, remarked that this man would first purpose a deal, take the money and then disappear.

The court turned down the request for bail and ordered the issue of a Freezing Order upon the man’s assets abroad.

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