The total number of Traffic Branch officers arrested in connection to a corruption investigation has risen to 37, the police force said.

Five officers have been released on police bail.

The Traffic Branch is comprised of around 50 officers.

The arrests were made after a whistleblower revealed that several officers were claiming overtime hours they were not actually working. The offices of the Traffic Branch have been sealed and the arrested officers are expected to be arraigned over the coming days.

In a statement, the police force said LESA and Transport Malta officials were helping out as part of a contingency plans to make up for the shortstaffing caused by the arrests.

It also confirmed that the Superintendent in charge of the branch has resigned.

The case is also subject to a magisterial inquiry.