Nurse Denies Stealing €69,000 From 95-Year-Old Relative
A 27‑year‑old nurse has pleaded not guilty to charges that she misappropriated and defrauded a distant 95‑year‑old relative of more than €69,000.
The accused, Nicole Dalli Grech, appeared in court after being summoned on charges of money‑laundering, misappropriation and fraud. Prosecutors allege that while the elderly man was hospitalised in 2021, Dalli Grech approached him claiming a distant relationship and offered to assist him according to Times of Malta.
Following his discharge and later admission into a care home, the man was reportedly told by Dalli Grech that his bank had raised concerns over cheque signatures. She then arranged for him to grant her a power of attorney in March 2023.
According to the prosecution, Dalli Grech sought €150,000 from the man to renovate her home; he declined but signed a contract offering a “loan” instead. Later, he discovered that the document was structured as a donation, not a repayable loan.
Further investigation revealed transactions from the man’s account to the accused, including purchases at clothing stores, withdrawals at Malta International Airport and payments made abroad, all totalling the alleged misappropriation of €69,062.
When questioned under oath, Dalli Grech acknowledged that she was a distant relative and that she had visited the man in hospital after learning of his condition via a family member.
The court granted the prosecution’s request for a freezing order covering €69,062 and issued a protection order in favour of the alleged victim, notwithstanding objections from the defence.
Presiding Magistrate Leonard Caruana ruled there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. The case is being prosecuted by AG lawyer Nicole Sladden, assisted by Inspector Wayne Rodney Borg. Defence representation is by lawyers Patrick Valentino and Paula Briffa (the latter acting as parte civile).
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