Private investigator accused of false report

A private investigator was yesterday charged with filing a police report against people he knew to be innocent and spreading false news that could alarm the public over the past two years.

Joseph Zahra, 50, of Marsascala was also charged with simulating an offence, fabricating evidence and false news and defaming several people.

He was also charged with working as a private guard in breach of the Private Guards and Local Wardens Act, or a licence issued through the Act.

Zahra, who was represented by Dr Joseph Giglio, pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.

At the end of the arraignment sitting, Dr Giglio requested bail and the prosecution, led by Police Superintendent Peter Paul Zammit and Inspector Ian Abdilla, did not object.

The prosecution explained that Zahra had been investigated since July 19 and had cooperated with police. However, the prosecution asked Magistrate Anthony Vella to ask Zahra to deposit his passport and identity card in the court documents.

The magistrate upheld the request and bound Zahra against a Lm200 deposit and a personal guarantee of Lm20,000.

Where's Everybody said the consultancy services offered to it by Zahra were being stopped pending the outcome of the legal proceedings against him.