A magistrate yesterday found enough evidence for the continuation of a criminal case against a gang of Eastern Europeans charged with a series of burglaries in Sliema.

The accused, Kartlos Dolaberidze, 41, from Georgia, Kryzsztof Tadeusz Latocha, 30, from Poland, Algirdas Sliogeris, 48, from Lithuania, Adilet Shakirgazieva, 28, from Kyrgyzstan and Mate Oniani, 25, from Georgia, were arraigned on September 11.

They were charged with over 28 thefts, some of which were committed last year.

The four men and a women have pleaded not guilty

The Eastern Europeans stand charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, participating in organised crime, forming part of a criminal organisation and receiving stolen goods.

The four men and the woman, who all pleaded not guilty, have been remanded in custody.

During yesterday’s hearing two officers described how the gang was caught and how investigations led them to an apartment in St Paul’s Bay.

Lawyer Joseph Mizzi, defending the five, argued that Mr Oniani and Ms Shakirgazieva should not have been made to face the same charges as the rest of the gang. He argued that witnesses had made reference to just three men.

The defence said the woman was only being linked to the organised crime gang simply because she shared a flat with them. He also said Mr Oniani had just arrived in Malta the day before and so could not have been planning to commit such crimes.

Nevertheless, the court presided by Magistrate Josette Demicoli said there was sufficient prima facie evidence to place all suspects under a bill of indictment.