The case centers on a man, now 71, who presented himself as a diamond trader with operations in Sierra Leone. He convinced a couple living in Alcúdia to trust him and join a venture that promised substantial profits from precious stones. Believing in the opportunity, the couple agreed to finance the project and sought liquidity to move it forward. They ultimately authorized a mortgage loan for their home, receiving 500,000 euros, with the understanding that this would fuel the promised enterprise.
The injured parties placed 400,000 euros in the defendant’s hands to purchase the diamonds as part of the agreement. Yet the prosecution contends that there was never real intention to invest in or trade gemstones. The defendant deposited funds received through multiple checks into a bank account tied to a company for which he claimed authorization. There was no actual company, no business operations related to gemstone trading, and his real focus appeared to be the real estate market rather than diamonds.
The victims received no diamonds and no financial return. They filed a formal complaint with investigators, and authorities in Inca opened an inquiry into the matter. The magistrate found evidence suggesting guilt, noting the lack of proof that the defendant ever deposited or returned the victims’ money.
As ten years have passed since the events, the case has reached trial. The prosecution accuses the man of fraud and seeks a prison sentence of three and a half years, along with a fine of 2,700 euros for himself. In addition, the suspect may be ordered to compensate the victims with the 400,000 euros, with half of that amount attributed to each of the injured parties.
The First Division of the Palma County Court has scheduled the hearing for these allegations next Wednesday, marking a critical moment in the ongoing legal process.