A family of six were charged in court with operating a usury and money laundering operation, following a police raid that uncovered €120,000 in cash at two residences.

Keith Pace, 45, from Santa Venera, unemployed, was charged alongside his partner Maria Rosaria Grixti, a housewife. Also charged was their son, Cleaven Pace, 20, who lives with Grixti in the property that was raided, and Keith Pace's 24-year-old son from a previous relationship, Carlos Pace, 23. Both sons are unemployed.

Keith Pace's parents, Lawrence Pace, 73, a pensioner, and Emanuela Pace, 73, a housewife, both residing in Marsa, were likewise charged in the proceedings.

All the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Before proceedings began, Magistrate Monica Vella cautioned relatives of the accused, particularly the younger sons, not to speak or make gestures in court, warning that she would not tolerate arguments or hand movements during the sitting.

Carlos Pace and Cleaven Pace were among those charged over the theft of over 200kg of seized cannabis resin from AFM barracks in February 2025. They were out on bail over the theft.

Keith Pace, together with other relatives, had also been charged with harassing journalists outside court when his sons were charged. He admitted to the crime, and was handed a suspended sentence.

In September 2025, Keith Pace and his son Carlos, were charged with blackmailing and harassing a jeweller whom they believe is in possession of gold which had been stolen from the son's house last year.

Investigators told the court that financial investigations were carried out on each of the accused. Keith Pace, who has several prior convictions and pending cases, allegedly has no legitimate employment history capable of justifying the wealth attributed to him. The court heard that although his sons and Grixti do not have the same gravity of criminal record, their declared income does not correspond with their lifestyle.

The elderly parents were said not to have serious criminal convictions, though the prosecution remarked that their conduct "is not entirely clean".

Cash concealed behind fireplace and in ceilings

The prosecution explained that approximately €120,000 in cash was discovered during searches carried out at two properties in Marsa. The money was allegedly hidden in ceilings and concealed behind a fireplace.

A further €29,000 in cash was reportedly found hidden in ceilings at the residence of Lawrence and Emanuela Pace.

The prosecution also referred to two high-value vehicles-a Jaguar registered in Lawrence Pace's name and a Corvette registered in Emanuela Pace's name, reportedly worth around €120,000.

The prosecution further alleged that, according to various reports and interviews conducted with alleged victims of usury, Keith Pace obtained access to certain properties that did not belong to him and proceeded to rent them out to third parties.

Alleged operation continued from prison

The court heard that recorded prison calls allegedly show that while Keith Pace was incarcerated, he continued issuing instructions to Grixti.

Investigators claim that Grixti took an active operational role in the collection of usurious loans, not merely acting on instructions but also pursuing matters independently. Several alleged victims of usury have yet to testify.

The prosecution further alleged that some victims reported being pressured into granting access to properties that did not belong to the accused, which were then renovated and rented out to third parties.

Additional charges of standalone money laundering and usury were brought against Keith Pace, Maria Grixti and Carlos Pace. Keith Pace and his sons were also charged with breaching previous bail conditions.

After hearing submissions regarding the circumstances that led to the arrests, the court validated the arrest of the accused and issued a freezing order against all of them, prohibiting the transfer or disposal of assets.

Bail requests

Bail was requested for Lawrence and Emanuela Pace primarily on medical grounds. The defence stressed that the 73-year-old man is undergoing serious medical treatment, while his wife also suffers from health issues, arguing that the prison environment would be particularly harsh given their age and condition.

The prosecution did not strongly oppose their release, acknowledging that their alleged involvement appears to be on a different level from that of Keith Pace, but requested strict conditions if bail were granted. The court reserved its decision on their bail application, to be delivered by decree in camera.

Maria Grixti also requested bail. Her defence argued that she has a young child and would adhere to any conditions imposed.

However, the prosecution strongly objected, noting that civilian witnesses and alleged victims of usury have yet to testify. Prosecutors argued that there was no peace of mind that evidence would not be interfered with if she were released, particularly given allegations that she actively pursued victims and managed operations while Keith Pace was in prison. They further stated that the child is currently being cared for by relatives and is well looked after.

The court denied Grixti's bail request.

No bail was requested for the remaining accused.

The accused are being represented by lawyers Arthur Azzopardi, Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri, Adreana Zammit and Jacob Magri. Inspector Leanne Bonello, prosecuted alongside AG lawyers Neville Galea and Michael Muscat.

Magistrate Monica Vella presided over the sitting.