Two Bulgarian men were arraigned in court this afternoon over a series of hold-ups in betting outlets over the past three months.

Atanas Dimitrov, a mechanic, was charged with aggravated theft from Izibet in Msida on Friday, as well as from Izibet in Naxxar on November 23 and December 25.
More than €2,300 were tolen in all cases.

The 32-year-old, who has been living in Malta for the past four years, was also charged with holding the employees against their will, carrying a firearm and using violence.

Radoslav Rachev, 23, who has been living in Malta for the past four months, was accused of being an accomplice in last Friday’s hold-up, when the two men made off with €3,000.

The two men, who share an apartment in St Julian’s, pleaded not guilty.

Lawyer Yanika Bugeja requested bail, but prosecuting officers Saviour Baldacchino and Gabriel Micallef objected due to the seriousness of the crimes committed and the fact that civilian witnesses are yet to testify.  

Both men were remanded in custody.