There is enough evidence for two directors at the Leisure Clothing factory to be tried for human trafficking and the exploitation of employees, a court ruled yesterday.

Magistrate Carol Peralta decided that Bin Han, 46, of San Ġwann and Jia Liu, 31, of Birżebbuġa, are to be indicted on charges of trafficking and exploiting Chinese and Vietnamese workers in Bulebel.

They are also charged with misappropriating employees’ wages, failing to pay their wages, overtime and allowances and failing to comply with employment conditions. Both are pleading not guilty.

Mr Bin, who has Maltese nationality, is the company’s managing director while Mr Jia, the marketing director, is Chinese but has been living in Malta for four years. Since their arraignment on November 19, the magistrate has heard several employees testify.

They are to be indicted on charges of trafficking and exploiting Chinese and Vietnamese workers in Bulebel

He had delayed the ruling and sitting after insisting on hearing more evidence. He was concerned whether there was enough evidence to proceed against the two directors over the human trafficking charge and ordered an onsite inquiry at the factory on January 9.

Yesterday, three months into the case, the magistrate found that the prosecution’s evidence was strong enough for the case to proceed on all charges, meaning that the Attorney General can issue the bill of indictment against the two men.

Police Inspector Joseph Busuttil prosecuted. Lawyers Karl Briffa, Katrine Camilleri and Michael Camilleri appeared parte civile for the workers. Lawyers Edward Gatt and Pio Valletta appeared for the company directors.