Polish woman accused with human trafficking

A 31-year-old polish citizen, Katarzyna Maria Zaniewska, residing in Mosta, was remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to five charges including trafficking in human beings, living off prostitution and using a massage parlor for immoral purposes. She was also charged with keeping two foreign employees against their will, threatening them and managing a brothel. 

On 21 December, a young employee at the Samanta Umlawska Massage Parlours in Birkirkara and Mosta, with the help of a Maltese client, filed a police report claiming her Polish manager kept her and another woman against their will. The woman insisted that both of them were brought to Malta after being told their work at the massage parlor would include sexual pleasures. 

Officers from the Vice Squad investigated the report and today arraigned Zaniewska. 

Visibly under shock and constantly in tears, the Polish woman pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against her. She explained she was not the owner of the massage parlor but simply an employee. "I prepare the rooms, answer the phone, clean the floors and do cash and reception duties", the woman sobbed. 

The prosecuting officer objected to the request for bail arguing the accused had a Polish nationality and although she works and lives in Malta nothing prevents her from absconding. 

Furthermore the prosecution also voiced their concern that she could approach the witnesses, stressing that this was a very serious case of human trafficking. 

Defence lawyer Mark Busuttil told the court, the polish woman was indeed another victim in this case. "While the owner is out there enjoying the profits of his crimes, this poor woman is here facing the music and treated like a seasoned criminal", the lawyer said. 

Quoting a Constitutional decree by Judge Anthony Ellul, the lawyer stated bail was a fundamental right of the accused. Busuttil asked if, through its objections the prosecution, was showing a lack of faith in international and European instruments that address wanted persons. "If, and only if the accused absconds, the Malta police possess all necessary instruments to file a European Arrest warrant and the woman would be surrendered from Poland, or are you saying that such measures are not effective?", the lawyer argued with the prosecuting officers. 

Magistrate Gabriella Vella denied the request for bail and remanded the accused in prison. The court also ordered a ban on the publication of the names of the victims but denied a request by the defence to ban the name of the accused. 

Inspectors Sylvana Briffa and Louise Calleja prosecuted. Dr Mark Busuttil appeared for the accused.