Following charges of misusing government systems to sneak foreign workers into Malta via bogus work permits, a 29-year-old Indian man has been denied bail.
Paola resident Fazil Chembayil is charged nine times related to computer misuse. Police claim he fraudulently issued over 52 single-use work permits, connecting his credentials to the victim’s account, without permission to access someone else’s eID account.
According to reports, Chembayil, a delivery driver who did not pass his Maltese driving test, was employed for someone not shown on his residency papers. Prosecutors contended he was an unauthorized immigrant because he was illegally living in Malta. They said bail would practically provide him a temporary legal stay, therefore weakening immigration law.
A friend showed unsigned and unfinished papers at the bail hearing to show Chembayil’s Marsaskala residence. The judge disregarded the evidence and advised the witness not to mislead the court.
Questions about witness manipulation were also raised. Prosecutors claimed the defendant resided with a key witness; four other Indian citizens related to the unauthorized permit scam were also scheduled to testify.
The court denied bail, noting the lack of a legitimate driver’s license, legal job, permanent residence, and financial means of the defendant.
The matter is still under investigation.
Presiding is Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech; prosecuting are Inspectors Marcus Cachia and Karl Roberts with aid from Attorney General lawyer Daniel Vancell. Chembayil is being represented by Attorney Jacob Magri.
