A court yesterday heard how a man allegedly defrauded his property business partner when he sold properties and deposited the money in a separate account without giving him his share.

Police Inspector Kevin Borg was testifying in the compilation of evidence against Mario Sciberras, 55, from Zebbug, who is accused of defrauding Raymond Buhagiar of thousands of liri.

Mr Sciberras is being accused of defrauding Mr Buhagiar between 1991 and 2000 when he was selling properties without his consent and was depositing revenue in separate bank accounts without giving him his share.

Inspector Borg told the court, presided over by Magistrate Anthony Vella, that Mr Sciberras and Mr Buhagiar were business partners and used to deal in property. He said Mr Buhagiar had signed the memorandum and articles of association of the property business and held 50 per cent of the shares of Three Cats Holdings Limited.

The police inspector explained that although Mr Sciberras used to take Mr Buhagiar with him to see properties, the former finalised the dealings in his absence and then deposited the money in a separate bank account under his daughter, Christine Sciberras’ name.

Testifying in court, Mr Buhagiar said he owned 50 per cent of the shares of the company Three Cats Holdings Limited and they both used to deal in property. He said he discovered that Mr Sciberras was selling properties without his consent and that the money was being deposited in a separate bank account.

The case continues.

Police Inspector Kevin Borg prosecuted. Dr Roberto Montalto appeared for Mr Sciberras while Dr Malcolm Mifsud and Dr Cedric Mifsud appeared parte civile for Mr Buhagiar.