Two men arraigned over money laundering case linked to Attard theft investigation

A 55-year-old man was granted bail after being arraigned alongside another accused in connection with an alleged money laundering operation that investigators claim is linked to a series of thefts, including a high-value burglary in Attard earlier this year. 

The case stems from police investigations into a number of thefts dating back to 2023. According to the prosecution, investigators struggled to identify suspects for a considerable period before developments last year led them to 49-year-old Syed Zaheer Abbas, a British national originally from Pakistan.

Police told the court that the accused had previously left Malta for Pakistan and that a European Arrest Warrant had been requested. Despite an airport alert, he later re-entered Malta. Following another reported theft in January, investigators allegedly linked him to the crime and claimed he attempted to leave Malta again in February.

He was subsequently arrested at the airport, where police allegedly found jewellery, documents and records of transactions amounting to around €100,000 sent to Pakistan. 

Both men were charged with money laundering offences, including transferring, concealing, possessing and retaining property suspected of coming from criminal activity. The charges also include allegations of attempting or assisting such activities. 

The 55-year-old, Simon Grixti, faced separate charges of making false declarations, using false accounting records, conducting banking business without a licence, and operating as a financial institution without the necessary authorisation. 

The second accused additionally faces a charge of aggravated theft over the alleged burglary of cash, jewellery and other items from a residence in Attard between 31 January and 7 February 2026. Prosecutors allege the value of the stolen property exceeded €2,329.37. 

The prosecution requested freezing orders against both men, seeking the restraint of assets valued at €100,000 in the case of the first accused and €240,000 in the case of the second. Defence lawyers informed the court that discussions regarding the amounts covered by the freezing orders were ongoing. 

After hearing submissions, the court granted bail to the 55-year-old accused, noting that he had produced the necessary documentation. Proceedings against both men continue.

Defence lawyers Jose Herrera and Martina Herrera appeared for Syed Zaheer Nabbas, whilst lawyers Alfred Abela and Renee Darmanin appeared for Simon Grixti. Lawyer Stephen Tonna Lowell appeared for the parte Civile. Inspectors Joseph Mercieca and Matthew Grech prosecuted alongside AG lawyers Alessia Schembri and Neville Galea. Magistrate Nadia Helena Vella presided over the sitting.