Man accused of £60,000 fraud

A French man accused of fraud and theft of almost £60,000 denied the charges at the Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The 38-year old man pleaded not guilty to two charges including theft of £59,249 and fraud by abuse of position.

The alleged incidents are said to have happened between July 2014 and February 2016 when the defendant was an affiliate manager of a local company.

He is accused of dishonestly authorising payments in a role where he was expected to safeguard the financial interest of the company.

The charges follow an investigation by the Royal Gibraltar Police Economic Crime Unit.

Stipendiary Magistrate Charles Pitto declined jurisdiction and imposed “substantial” bail conditions.

Mr Pitto ordered the defendant to surrender all travel documents and imposed £30,000 bail. He was also told to either pay two sureties of £10,000 or a £20,000 cash deposit.

He was represented by David Dumas, QC, who was assisted by Philip Dumas. Robert Fischel, QC, appeared for the Crown.