Six massage parlour workers accused of running brothel

Six Ukranian women, who are massage parlour workers, were yesterday arraigned in court on charges of running of a brothel.

Three massage parlours, one in San Gwann and another two in Sta Venera, were subject to police investigations which led to the arraignments. The police found reason to believe that the massage parlours were allegedly being used for prostitution or other illicit actions.

Four of the six women immediately pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them.

Victorija Mykhay, 38, Svitlana Pabat, 38, Natalia Starykova, 37, and Inna Karpusha, 39 were slapped with a one year prison term, which was suspended for two years.

Magistrate Frendo Dimech remarked that the Principal Immigration Officer should make an assessment to see whether the women should be repatriated.

Two of the women, Olena Zhuk, 36-years-old, and Yana Barbutsa, 36-years-old, pleaded not guilty.

Their defence counsel made a request for bail, which was met by objections from the prosecution.

Inspector John Spiteri argued that there were several civilian witnesses that could be influenced prior to their testimony with regards the case.

Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech ruled in favour of the prosecution, saying that there was a danger that the women would abscond.

Victorija Mykhay, 38, Svitlana Pabat, 38, Natalia Starykova, 37, and Inna Karpusha, 39, had pleaded guilty, and therefore found guilty.

Lawyer Josette Sultana was legal aid for Ms Mykhay, Ms Pabat, Ms Starykova, Ms Zhuk and Ms Karpusha. Lawyer Alessandro Lia represented Ms Barbutsa.