A magistrate’s court yesterday ruled that there were sufficient reasons for a bill of indictment to be issued against a local singer who has been charged with fraud and misappropriation after he allegedly swindled a farmer out of €1.16 million/Lm500,000.

The court had ordered a ban on the publication of the singer’s name on the grounds that disclosing his identity could have an impact on his pending contracts.

The singer was also granted bail against a deposit of €2,500/Lm1,073.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Anthony Vella, heard the testimony of prosecuting inspector Ivan Cilia who said that the singer had taken him to an office in Strait Street, Valletta to meet up with a certain lawyer, called Angelo Farrugia.

The inspector testified that the singer had told him that he gave the lawyer money to file for EU funds. However, he added, there was no doorbell and when they entered the office, there was no one. In fact, the inspector said, this lawyer does not exist.

Following the prosecution’s request, the court froze all the singer’s assets.

The case continues on 13 February, with the testimony of the Gozitan farmer who claims he was swindled by the singer. Police inspector Ivan Cilia and Inspector Ian J. Abdilla are prosecuting.