Imagine this: you’re walking down Republic Street, Malta’s bustling heart, when you notice a familiar face in the crowd. It’s not a friend or relative, but a stranger who’s been using your identity to commit crimes. You report it, the police act, and the culprit is arrested. But then, justice takes a sudden U-turn. Why? Because of procedural errors.

Meet Joseph ‘Bibi’ Camilleri, the man who allegedly stole the identities of five Maltese citizens. In 2019, he was arrested and charged with identity theft and fraud. The first court found him guilty, sentencing him to two years in prison, suspended for three years. But in a twist that’s left many Maltese citizens baffled, the Court of Appeal acquitted him last week, citing procedural errors.

So, what went wrong? The Appeal Court ruled that the primary court had erred in admitting certain evidence, including bank statements and witness testimonies. This, they argued, compromised the fairness of the trial. But is this a case of justice served or justice delayed?

Malta’s small size and tight-knit communities often give us a false sense of security. But the truth is, identity theft is a growing problem here. According to the Malta Police Force, there were 159 cases of identity theft reported in 2020 alone. And the real number might be higher, as many victims are too embarrassed or unaware to report it.

Identity theft can happen to anyone, anywhere. It could be while you’re sipping a coffee at a café in Sliema, or browsing online at home. It’s a silent crime that can ruin lives, and it’s high time we start taking it seriously.

Bibi Camilleri might be a free man today, but the victims of his alleged crimes are still out there, living with the consequences. They deserve justice, and so do all the other victims of identity theft in Malta. It’s time we demand better from our justice system. It’s time we start protecting our identities more vigilantly. It’s time we start asking questions.

So, what can you do? Start by educating yourself about identity theft. Know the signs, know the risks. Report any suspicious activity to the police. And most importantly, demand accountability from our justice system. Let’s not let another identity thief walk free because of procedural errors.