United States investigators yesterday began collecting testimonies in the Maltese law courts against Roman Vega, a man who is to face trial in the US for fraud.

The session, which was presided over by magistrate Miriam Hayman, was held behind closed doors yesterday.

Ukrainian Roman Vega, 39, is being investigated for what is being termed fraud in substantial amounts.

Various Maltese nationals are understood to have been victims of the alleged fraudster together with people of other nationalities.