Five Chinese nationals were charged yesterday with involvement in the trafficking of human beings and with assisting people to leave Malta illegally by the use of false passports.

Before magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera, Hou Shiyan, 30 and He Kunzhen, a 25-year-old woman, admitted their involvement on 19 November and the preceding days. They also admitted receiving passports and falsifying them. They were jailed for one year, suspended for three years, and magistrate Scerri Herrera ordered their immediate deportation.

Separately, Lin Xin, 35 and Tao Yu Yi, a 41-year-old woman, who both have Australian citizenship, and Yang Jianqi, 42, pleaded not guilty to the same charges. They were all refused bail and were remanded in custody.

Police Inspector Mario Haber prosecuted while Dr Mark Busuttil appeared for the defence.