A 25-year-old property agent was granted bail after pleading not guilty to charges related to usury and fraud.

The man, Daniel Sapiano from Gudja, appeared in court this morning before magistrate Aaron Bugeja. Police inspector Gloria Cuschieri told the court how the man used to get paid money for the rent of an apartment, even if the new proprietor never got to set foot into the building. The prosecution also presented charges related to usury. Six individuals were cheated in the scam operated by Sapiano. Between them, they lost the total value of €3,200 euros.

It was also noted that the accused committed these crimes while breaching the conditions of a suspended sentence handed earlier this year.

Sapiano pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

The defence, led by lawyers Marion Camilleri and Franco Debono, argued that at the time of the crime, the accused had just lost his mother and had a child. It also transpired that the man was struggling with drug addiction. Nowadays, Debono said, the young man is free of any addiction. Camilleri also noted that the accused collaborated with the police and was already paying the victims their money. She also argued that if the accused is not given bail, he will end up in jail, lose his job and will not be able to pay his debt.

The prosecution objected by arguing that there might be other victims who would wish to come forward and testify.

Following a not guilty plea, the man was granted bail and ordered to pay a deposit of €3,000 and a personal guarantee of €12,000.