An Indonesian woman who was hired to work as a care worker for an elderly man in Sliema had her passport taken away and she was ill-treated by the man’s son, a court heard yesterday.

The details emerged as Harish Daswani, 38, born in St Julian’s, but of Indian descent, was charged with human trafficking with the intent to exploit Oriance Kelin on June 8 and the previous months.

He was also charged with threatening Ms Kelin and breaching employment laws.

The prosecution is alleging that he took away her passport and also withheld payment for her services.

Mr Daswani is pleading not guilty.

Defence lawyer Roberto Montalto told Magistrate Doreen Clarke, in submissions on bail, that Ms Kelin had been hired through a recruitment agency before coming to Malta to look after Mr Daswani’s elderly father.

Magistrate Clarke granted him bail against a deposit of €2,000 and a personal guarantee of €5,000.

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