The court has found sufficient prima facie evidence to place Yorgen Fenech under a bill of indictment, formalising the money laundering charges against him.

Fenech is accused of laundering and misappropriating funds from a company that he owns with his uncle Ray Fenech.

Presiding magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech underlined that a court of compilation is asked to see if there is sufficient evidence to indict. In money laundering cases, it becomes more complex as the onus of proof is on the accused. “From the evidence in particular chats there appears to be a case to answer,” the magistrate said.

Two of his associates – Nicholas Cachia and his father Joseph – have also been placed under a bill of indictment for similar charges.

Fenech is facing separate charges for allegedly masterminding the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, and for allegedly purchasing weapons through the dark web using the cryptocurrency bitcoin.

During Monday’s sitting, Fenech’s lawyers denounced what they described as a ‘frenzy to persecute’ their client.

Lawyer Cinzia Azzopardi Alamango, from the Attorney General's office, had argued that the messages indicate that there were attempts to conceal things. It emerges that Fenech was aware of the messages and was giving instructions on how to work this system, she said.

The lawyer noted that there was a particular chat where Yorgen Fenech asked "how much did we launder?", and goes on to say "so that no questions are asked". The prosecution says they are basing themselves on the chats and emails.

Lawyer Charles Mercieca is appearing for Fenech together with lawyers Gianluca Caruana Curran and Marion Camilleri.

Lawyer Cinzia Azzopardi Alamango is from the Attorney General's office.

Both cases will continue on October 19.