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YORGEN Fenech's record- ed police interrogation from November 2019 was played in court on Tuesday, put- ting his relationship with Keith Schembri, Joseph Muscat and Melvin Theuma under the microscope. But perhaps the most striking thread running through Tuesday's evidence was the picture of a man who, according to police, was increasingly aware that the net was closing in. Inspector Kurt Zahra told the jury that a series of mes- sages found on Fenech's phone, together with other evidence gathered by inves- tigators, pointed to an at- tempt to flee Malta after his arrest became imminent. The evidence also shed light on the flurry of com- munications in the hours before his arrest. Zahra revealed that Yor- gen Fenech's uncle Ray had forwarded him a Facebook post by lawyer Jason Azz- opardi featuring a graphic of lightning—the post was deemed by the Fenechs as a warning that something was afoot. Fenech was eventually arrested aboard his yacht while heading towards what he told police was Pozzallo. Police later found ex- changes involving his broth- er Franco, "Uncle Ray," and boat captain Logan Wood. In one message to the cap- tain, Fenech wrote: "Please, no crew." In another, Uncle Ray warned him not to use cash. He was also making arrangements concerning his children. WWW.MALTATODAY.COM.MT €1.00 WEDNESDAY • 19 AUGUST 2026 • ISSUE 1007 • PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY EDITORIAL • PAGE 11 Massage parlour raid uncovered hidden condoms, cash DETAILS of police surveillance, a search of the premises, and hidden cash came to light on Tuesday as the compilation of evidence continued against 56-year-old woman, Shen Man. Shen Man stands accused of human trafficking, running a brothel, and liv- ing off the earnings of prostitution. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Police officers testifying in court de- scribed finding cash hidden inside cur- tains, digital QR payment codes, and a large quantity of condoms concealed in cushion covers during a raid on a Birkirkara massage parlour. CONTINUES PAGE 3 WEDNESDAY EDITION Fenech: Muscat suspected Schembri's involvement Yorgen Fenech told police in November 2019 that Joseph Muscat was concerned about what Melvin Theuma's recordings could reveal about Keith Schembri, while denying the former prime minister knew about the murder plot beforehand CONTINUES PAGE 2 Murder suspect Yorgen Fenech, seen here at Portomaso during a court-ordered site visit as part of the ongoing trial, had told the police in 2019 that Keith Schembri (inset) was the man behind Daphne Carauna Galizia's murder (Photo Yorgen Fenech: James Bianchi/MaltaToday, Photo Keith Schembri: Daniel Tihn/MaltaToday) Personal Loans NEW BOAT? All loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from the Bank. The term of the loan must not go beyond re rement age. Issued by Bank of Valle a p.l.c. 58, Triq San Żakkarija, Il-Belt Valle a VLT 1130. Bank of Valle a p.l.c. is regulated by the MFSA and licensed to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta). Compe ve Interest Rates MIKELA CASOLANI mcasolani@mediatoday.com.mt ĦALEY XUEREB & MIKELA CASOLANI hxuereb@mediatoday.com.mt mcasolani@mediatoday.com.mt