Women allegedly forced into prostitution saw 2,000 clients in three months
A court heard on Tuesday that a group of Colombian women, who were allegedly trafficked to Malta as victims of human trafficking, serviced over 2,000 clients within a three-month period. Police Inspector John Spiteri testified in the case against Luke Farrugia, 36; Clint Lawrence D’Amato; Denzil Farrugia, 19; Kane Vassallo, 22; Gordon Cassar, 44; Luca Emanuele Corita, 21; Dylan McKay, 30; Alexandra Suhov Pocora, 32; and her partner Nicolae Efimov, 37. The defendants are facing multiple charges related to human trafficking and operating several brothels in apartments around Msida and Gżira. All have pleaded not guilty. (Times of Malta)
Second mpox case discovered
The Health Ministry has announced the discovery of a second case of Mpox in Malta, noting that the first reported case involves a less severe strain of the virus. Health authorities confirmed that the Mpox case reported last week in Malta is Clade II, based on extensive laboratory testing and analysis. The most recent Mpox case has been identified in a Maltese resident who contracted the virus through sexual activity within Malta. The patient is clinically stable and does not require hospitalization. “The patient has been isolated, and contact tracing efforts are underway to prevent further transmission. Additional testing is being conducted to determine the specific Clade of the Mpox virus in this case.” (Maltatoday)
PN gets new Director of Communications
James Aaron Ellul, the PN’s Director of Communications, has resigned to run in the upcoming general election. He will be succeeded by Nathaniel Attard, who previously worked as the Communications Manager for BirdLife Malta. The PN stated that Nathaniel Attard was appointed as the new Communications Director and Official Spokesperson for the Opposition Leader following a recommendation from the PN’s Leadership Committee, which was approved by the Administrative Council. (The Malta Independent)
