Three men were arraigned before the court accused of engaging in sexual activity with underage persons.

The accused are 48-year-old Raymond Charles Buttigieg from Imtarfa, 57-year-old Alexander Caruana from Valletta and George Bezzina, 57, from Isla. They were also accused of distributing and showing underage pornographic material and of inducing persons under age to prostitution.

The prosecution, led by Inspector Joseph Busuttil, explained that these activities took place in the months and years until the 16 July 2016. The victims’ ages vary from 15 to 17 years.

Inspector Joseph Busuttil told the court that the police are in possession of a USB with pornographic material.

The court, presided by Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, heard how the three accused men paid the five minors, all boys, to engage in sexual activity with them. It is understood that the men filmed the activities.

George Bezzina was additionally accused of possession of the cannabis plant and circumstances show this was not for his exclusive use.

The three men pled not guilty for the charges brought against them. Defence lawyer Carm Mifsud Bonnici, requested bail for George Bezzina, which was then denied. However, the other two accused men, Buttigieg and Caruana did not make a request for bail. Lawyer Franco Debono appeared for Mr Buttigieg and Dr Robert Galea appeared for Alexander Caruana.

The court also issued a protection order on the four victims.