Man denies trafficking, exploiting father’s carer

Indonesian careworker was exploited, had her passport withheld, and ill-treated by employer, court hears.

Harish Daswani denied that he withheld the passport of an Indonesian woman he employed to care for his father
Harish Daswani denied that he withheld the passport of an Indonesian woman he employed to care for his father

Harish Daswani, 38, of St Julian’s was this morning granted bail after pleading not guilty to exploiting, threatening, and trafficking his father’s careworker.

Presided by Magistrate Gabriella Vella, the court heard how the accused had employed the victim, Oriance Kelin, to take care of his elderly father. He then allegedly failed to pay her, withheld her passport, and demanded that she works extra hours.

The Indonesian careworker - who the court that she had been brought to Malta through a recruitment agency - then lodged a police report requesting that the police institute criminal proceedings against her employer, and demanded that she be paid, prosecuting inspector Sylvana Briffa told the court.

The accused, of Indian descent, denied all charges, stating that he had never exploited her and that he always treated her well.

Daswani pleaded not guilty to human trafficking with intent to labour exploitation, to threatening the woman, and to breaching employment laws.

Magistrate Vella granted the accused bail against a deposit of €2,000 and a personal guarantee of €5,000

Inspector Sylvana Briffa prosecuted while Lawyer Roberto Montalto represented the accused.