Jordan Azzopardi, often referred to as Malta’s “El Chapo”, has returned to court where he is facing a series of serious charges, including attempted homicide and sexual abuse according to Times of Malta. He was charged alongside Abdulmomen Abudagil of multiple offences. These include sexual assault, theft, unlawful detention, bodily harm, taking sexual images or footage without consent, violent coercion, extortion, misuse of electronic equipment, and inducing fear that violence would be used against the victim.Azzopardi alone is also charged with attempted homicide and breaches of several bail conditions.According to a police inspector, authorities were alerted to the incident at around 7.45pm on 21st April at a shop in San Ġwann. When officers arrived, they secured the area and ensured the victim’s safety.The victim identified Abdulmomen immediately as one of his attackers, and he was arrested on the spot. He was then taken to Mater Dei Hospital, where he spoke to police about what had happened.He said that he had met Abdulmomen and entered the shop with him, where the assault began. He said he was taken to the basement and subjected to non-consensual sexual acts, including penetration with an object, involving a third party. He eventually managed to escape from the scene.Police later established that the third person involved was Jordan Azzopardi, who is also known as the “El Chapo of Malta”, a title he reportedly used himself when speaking to officers.Both accused men gave statements but chose to remain silent. They both pleaded not guilty to all charges.A request for bail was made for Abdulmomen, but the prosecution objected. Lawyer Jurgen Dalli from the Attorney General’s office argued that witnesses still needed to testify, other individuals were under investigation, and there was a risk the accused could flee.He also noted that the victim had reported being told the accused would “take the first flight to Libya” if he went to the police, and described the sexual abuse as extremely graphic.Lawyer Franco Debono, who is representing both accused, told the court that Abdulmomen’s father is prepared to provide accommodation for him during the proceedings, should bail be granted.He also argued that concerns about potential evidence tampering were unfounded, pointing out that the victim had already testified during the inquiry stage and that the evidence has therefore been preserved.Debono further noted that Abdulmomen has a clean criminal record, which he said does not indicate any material risk of interfering with evidence.The prosecution countered that a clean record does not diminish the seriousness of the charges. Dalli added that witnesses may be asked different questions during trial compared to the inquiry stage.The magistrate ultimately rejected the bail request and issued a protection order in favour of the victim.The lawyers representing Azzopardi included Adreana Zammit and Matthew Xuereb, while Mario Camilleri and Jacob Magri represented Abdulmomen. Franco Debono acted for both accused.•