A massage parlour worker testified in court that she chose to provide sexual services to selected regular clients of her own free will while working in Malta, insisting her employer had only hired her as a masseuse.

The testimony was given during the compilation of evidence against Shen Man, who is accused of human trafficking, running a brothel, and living off the earnings of prostitution. She has pleaded not guilty.

The Chinese woman testified via video link on Tuesday during the compilation of evidence against Shen Man, a 56-year-old Chinese national accused of human trafficking, keeping a brothel, and living off the earnings of prostitution. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The witness told the court she moved to Malta around six years ago to work as a masseuse in a Birkirkara massage parlour after being introduced to Shen Man through a friend while she was in China caring for her parents and searching for employment opportunities.

According to her testimony, the accused assisted her with obtaining a residence permit and the necessary paperwork before she travelled to Malta. The pair had agreed on working conditions beforehand, including a monthly salary of around €700 to €750 and accommodation in Msida for a period of time.

She said she worked daily from morning until around 8pm and was paid entirely in cash. The woman added that she was free to take leave whenever she wished and was never forced to work seven days a week.

The witness described Shen Man as both her employer and friend, saying they frequently socialised together outside work.

She told the court that although she was originally recruited solely to provide massages, she later decided on her own initiative to offer sexual services to a limited number of regular clients.

At several points during her testimony, the woman appeared visibly distressed, becoming emotional while describing the situation. She explained that clients who were satisfied with her massage services sometimes requested additional sexual services, which she accepted only from customers she trusted and considered respectful.

The witness insisted she turned away men who entered the parlour, specifically requesting sexual services and stressed that any intimate encounters were entirely her own choice.

She also testified that payments for massages were handled separately from the extra services. Massage fees were paid through cash or Revolut, while money linked to sexual services was given directly to her as tips, which she kept for herself.

The woman said she paid approximately €300 monthly to Shen Man for taxes related to the registered business, although she did not fully understand the specific tax obligations involved.

She further explained that the massage parlour consisted of a corridor leading to two private rooms. Security cameras were installed in the corridor area but not inside the massage rooms, with Shen Man having access to the footage.

The prosecution is being led by AG lawyers Ramon Bonett Sladden and Charmaine Abdilla, together with Inspectors John Spiteri, Dorianne Tabone, and Oscar Baldacchino.

Lawyer Francois Dalli is representing the accused, while lawyer Lara Dimitrijevic appeared on behalf of the Women's Rights Foundation for the alleged victim.