Six Italians accused of fraud granted bail

SIX Italian nationals accused of defrauding South Africans through the sale of counterfeit power tools were granted bail of R10000 each yesterday, after the court found there was no evidence they would abscond.

In addition, the Port Elizabeth Magistrate's Court said there was an extradition policy between South Africa and Italy.

Upon their arrests earlier this month, the men, from Naples and Cagliari in Italy, were allegedly found in possession of imitation power tools and generators which had been rebranded with the stickers of leading makes.

Antonio Tocco, 55, Gaetano Canfora, 30, Vincenzo Olisterno, 50, Guetano Avolio, 66, and father and son Antonio, 52, and Diamanto Galliano, 26, face charges of conspiracy to commit fraud, fraud and possession of counterfeit goods.

The state had argued for the men to remain in custody on the basis that they formed part of a bigger syndicate. - Kathryn Kimberley