Man collected rental deposits without handing over the properties, court told

A man has been charged with defrauding several third-country nationals after allegedly collecting rental deposits without ever handing over the properties.

Camen Camilleri, 37, from Qormi pleaded not guilty to fraud and misappropriation in June and July this year, breaching a probation order and relapsing.

Police Inspector John Sammut told Magistrate Leonard Caruana that, over the past week, several people reported to the Qormi police station claiming they had been victims of fraud. The victims - at least four people - said they had paid deposits to rent properties but were never given the keys or allowed to take possession of the premises.

Police investigations identified the accused as Camilleri, whose mobile phone number and bank account details matched those provided by the alleged victims.

An arrest warrant was subsequently issued, and Camilleri later turned himself in at the Qormi police station. He was denied bail at this stage.

Inspectors Roderick Attard and John Sammut prosecuted. The accused was represented by lawyers Adreana Zammit and Marion Camilleri.