A Maltese court has remanded Bangladeshi businessman Nazmul Istiak in custody after he pleaded not guilty to human trafficking and a series of other charges linked to the alleged exploitation of migrant workers, according to reports by MaltaToday and the Times of Malta.

Istiak, 41, a Bangladeshi national living in Mellieħa and owner of the Pink Garlic restaurant, was arraigned under arrest on Wednesday, September 30. He is charged with human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation, money laundering, fraud, coercion, offences involving documents and breaches of employment laws.

The reports say the case began after workers told police they had been brought to Malta with promises of employment at a restaurant. Prosecutors described the offer as an “American dream” of travelling to Malta and finding work. The workers allege that, after arriving, they were left without the jobs and wages they had been promised.

Five alleged victims have so far been identified. They told investigators that they had been deceived or exploited, and some said they worked for more than four months without receiving wages. One worker reportedly said he spent four months working as a dishwasher without being paid.

The alleged workers also said the restaurant remained closed for extended periods, leaving them without the work they had expected. In one incident described in court, a worker allegedly met Istiak and was made to sign three documents. One document stated that he had agreed to take three months of unpaid leave.

Prosecutors allege that the workers were threatened with deportation if they complained to the authorities. Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet been identified, including people who may have already left Malta, the reports said.

The trafficking charges relate to the alleged exploitation of people in the provision of services, including forced labour or practices similar to slavery. Prosecutors also cited alleged aggravating circumstances, including the workers’ vulnerability, an alleged abuse of trust or authority, and proceeds said to exceed €11,646.87.

Other charges include allegedly obtaining more than €5,000 from several people through fraud, possessing items intended for use in fraud, applying psychological pressure and restricting people’s access to money, education or employment. Istiak is also accused of making false declarations, falsifying or using falsified documents, and failing to notify Jobsplus, Malta’s employment agency, about the hiring of several people.

According to the reports, police arrested Istiak at his restaurant after identifying him and carrying out a search. During the arrest, he complained of chest pain and high blood pressure. An ambulance took him to hospital, where he received medical attention before being brought to court. The defence told the court that a Jobsplus report concerning the restaurant had been conducted about three weeks earlier; prosecutors said a separate inspection was also under way.

Bail opposed over risk to alleged victims

The defence applied for bail, proposing electronic monitoring and a protection order to address concerns about contact with the alleged victims. It also suggested that Istiak could live at his wife’s home in Mellieħa.

Prosecutors strongly opposed his release. They argued that the alleged victims remained vulnerable and had yet to testify, and that Istiak’s contacts within the Bangladeshi community could allow him to reach or pressure them. Prosecutors also raised concern that further victims could emerge.

A prosecuting inspector told the court that the degree of control allegedly exercised over the workers was unlike anything he had encountered before. The prosecution further argued that Istiak had been found sleeping at the restaurant and that a substantial risk of contact with, or threats against, the alleged victims remained.

The court rejected the bail request and ordered Istiak to remain in custody. It also granted a prosecution request to freeze his assets and issued a protection order in favour of the alleged victims.

Istiak pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case is before Magistrate Abigail Critien. Inspectors John Spiteri and Ryan Mario Vella are prosecuting, assisted by lawyers from the Attorney General’s office, while lawyers Nicholas Mifsud and Nicole Falzon are representing Istiak.

The allegations have yet to be tested in court. Istiak is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.