Valletta Restaurateur Jailed: Appeal Court’s Shock Human Trafficking Verdict Rocks Malta’s Hospitality Industry

# Restaurateur jailed as appeal court overturns human trafficking acquittal

**In a landmark ruling that has sent shockwaves through Malta’s hospitality sector, the Court of Criminal Appeal has overturned the acquittal of prominent restaurateur Joseph “Joe” Zahra, sentencing him to eight years imprisonment and a €30,000 fine for human trafficking and labour exploitation.**

The decision, handed down late Tuesday evening, marks a dramatic reversal of the 2021 judgement that had cleared the owner of the once-popular Valletta eatery *Il-Forn ta’ l-Art* of all charges. The appeal, filed by the Attorney General, argued that the original court had “grossly misinterpreted” evidence including WhatsApp messages, bank transfers, and testimonies from three Filipino workers who claimed they were lured to Malta under false pretences.

“This verdict sends an unequivocal message that Malta will not tolerate modern-day slavery in any form,” Attorney General Victoria Buttigieg told reporters outside the courthouse, as a small group of anti-trafficking activists erupted in applause. “The exploitation of vulnerable workers, particularly those from developing nations, stains our nation’s reputation.”

## A dark underbelly exposed

The case has peeled back layers of Malta’s booming restaurant scene, revealing what critics describe as a “don’t ask, don’t tell” culture around migrant labour. According to court documents, Zahra’s victims – two chefs and a dishwasher – arrived in Malta in 2018 after responding to Facebook advertisements promising “European salaries” and “dignified working conditions.” Instead, they found themselves working 16-hour shifts for as little as €3 per hour, living in a cramped Ħamgar flat with eight other workers, and surrendering their passports to their employer.

“It’s the tip of the iceberg,” said Maria Pisani, director of the anti-trafficking NGO Integra Foundation. “We’ve documented similar patterns across Paceville bars, St Julian’s hotels, even family-run village restaurants. The victims are typically Asian or African, they don’t speak Maltese or English, and they’re terrified of authorities.”

The ruling comes as Malta grapples with its Tier 2 ranking in the U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons report, which noted that while the government “does not fully meet minimum standards for elimination,” it’s making “significant efforts” – a assessment now bolstered by this high-profile conviction.

## Community divided

In Zahra’s hometown of Żejtun, where his restaurant had been a fixture for 25 years, reactions were mixed. “Joe helped hundreds of young Maltese get their first job,” said 68-year-old regular Ċikku Bonnici, sipping coffee across from the now-shuttered establishment. “But if he did these things… well, justice must be done.”

The restaurant’s closure last year following the initial charges already left a noticeable void in Valletta’s culinary landscape. Once celebrated for its traditional rabbit stew and ftira, *Il-Forn ta’ l-Art* had employed 35 staff and attracted tourists with its “authentic Maltese grandmother” branding. Its Instagram account, dormant since the investigation began, still displays photos of smiling workers in traditional għonnella costumes – images that now carry sinister undertones.

“This case should prompt every Maltese to ask hard questions,” wrote Times of Malta columnist Daphne Cassar. “How many times have we enjoyed cheap pastizzi or €10 platters without wondering who’s washing the dishes? We’ve built our tourism industry on ‘cheap and cheerful’ – but who’s really paying the price?”

## Industry reckoning

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) issued a cautious statement acknowledging the verdict while warning against “tarring an entire sector.” However, internal memos seen by *Hot Malta* reveal growing concern among establishment owners about potential investigations.

“We’re seeing a domino effect,” said one St Julian’s restaurant manager who requested anonymity. “Suddenly everyone’s checking their contracts, raising wages, even helping staff find proper accommodation. It’s like we’ve been awakened from a collective slumber.”

The government has announced plans to create a dedicated labour inspection unit within the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations, though critics argue this merely scratches the surface of systemic issues including Malta’s “self-employed” loophole that allows employers to circumvent minimum wage laws.

As Zahra begins his sentence at Corradino Correctional Facility, his victims – now granted humanitarian protection – are attempting to rebuild lives shattered by broken promises. Their lawyer, Cedric Mifsud, revealed they’re seeking employment in Malta’s burgeoning iGaming sector. “They came seeking Maltese hospitality,” he said. “Instead they found exploitation. But today, Malta showed them justice.”

The case serves as a watershed moment for a nation whose economy depends heavily on the very workers it has too often overlooked. Whether this represents genuine change or merely a scapegoat sacrifice remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Malta’s restaurant tables will never feel quite the same again.