Valentin Krastev, a 42-year-old Bulgarian man, pleaded not guilty to 14 charges, including the alleged rape and unlawful detention of his partner, as well as a series of drug possession and trafficking offences.
The first six charges relate to alleged offences committed against his partner on 17 September 2026. Krastev is accused of raping the woman and unlawfully detaining her against her will. Prosecutors allege that the detention was aggravated by the fact that the woman sustained bodily harm or was threatened with death, and that the detention was used as a means of compelling her to submit to treatment of a sexual nature.
Krastev is also accused of committing one or more non-consensual acts of a sexual nature against the woman, engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards her and causing her to fear that violence would be used against her. He is further charged with subjecting her to unwanted sexual conduct.
Krastev was accused of a further eight drug-related offences committed during September 2026. Krastev stands accused of supplying, distributing or offering to supply cocaine and a psychotropic substance, as well as producing, selling or otherwise dealing in cannabis and ecstasy. He is also charged with possessing cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy and a psychotropic substance in circumstances indicating that the drugs were not intended solely for his personal use.
Krastev denied all the charges
The defence requested bail, which the prosecution opposed because of the serious nature of the charges and concerns that Krastev could abscond or tamper with evidence.
The prosecution argued that Krastev is currently unemployed and has no family ties in Malta, factors which it said were relevant when assessing the strength of his ties to the country and the risk of absconding. It also pointed out that the address listed on his residence permit differed from the address where he was actually residing.
The defence countered that Krastev had been living in Malta for a number of years and argued that his lack of gainful employment should not, in itself, justify his continued detention. It further argued that the evidence relating to the alleged offences against his partner had already been preserved through a magisterial inquiry, reducing the risk of any interference with evidence.
The defence also invoked the presumption of innocence, describing it as a fundamental right and arguing that being unemployed was neither a crime nor, on its own, sufficient grounds to deny a person bail.
The prosecution maintained that the risk of evidence tampering remained, arguing that alleged victims could still be approached or influenced even where evidence had already been preserved.
The court will deliver its decision on the bail request in chambers.
The prosecution is being led by Attorney General lawyer Cynthia Tomasuolo together with Inspector Marshall Mallia and Inspector Diane Agius.
Defence lawyer Lennox Vella appeared for Krastev. Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech presided over the arraignment.