A Chinese woman was yesterday cleared of involvement in human trafficking after her boss, Liu Xin, who was jailed for six months on Wednesday, testified that she was not involved in the matter and did not have any idea about his dealings.

Tao Yu Yi, 41, who has Australian nationality, was cleared of the charges brought against her after the court declared that she had been consistent throughout the whole criminal process, denying her involvement.

Magistrate Lawrence Quintano handed down his decision after Xin testified that Ms Yi was his secretary and that he brought her with him to Malta for business. He said Ms Yi did not know that he had created false passports for Chinese nationals to leave Malta illegally. Xin and Ms Yi were arrested at Malta International Airport on 19 November 2006.

Magistrate Quintano said the prosecution did not produce enough evidence to substantiate its claims that she was also involved in the matter and cleared her of the charges.

Police Inspector Mario Haber prosecuted while Dr Joseph Giglio appeared for the accused.