Two romanian nationals plead guilty to eight thefts for september

Two Romanian nationals pleaded guilty to eight thefts across four Maltese towns between 15 and 21 August. Razvan Aurel Stefan, 44 and Niculae Vasile, 56, admitted all charges before the Court of Magistrates on Monday 25 August 2026. Sentencing is due on 1 September.

Victims were robbed in Gżira, Sliema, Msida and Valletta. The men took cash, identity documents and personal belongings. Some thefts were aggravated by violence, the value of goods stolen, the number of people involved or the time of day.

On the morning of 15 August, Stefan and Vasile stole from Oleg Stojicu in Gżira. That evening between 9pm and 11pm, they robbed Mayara De Nascimento in the same town. On the morning of 16 August, John Jake Rice Singleton had cash, documents and other items worth more than €232 but less than €2,329 taken from him.

That theft was aggravated by violence and the involvement of more than two people. That same evening between 8pm and 10pm, Antonino Finocchiaro was robbed in Sliema. The charge was aggravated because of the value of items taken, violence used, the number of people involved and the after-dark timing.

At night on 17 August, Maximilian Joseph Petrosky was targeted at Valletta's bus terminus. On 19 August, Trajche Andanov had cash, identity documents and other objects taken in Msida. On 20 August, the two men robbed Edijs Valains on Triq it-Torri in Sliema.

Violence was used and the value of stolen items aggravated the charge. The final theft occurred in Valletta on 21 August between 11am and 1pm, when Omar Amar had cash, documents and other belongings taken. Stefan also faced a charge of recidivism based on earlier Court of Magistrates judgments.

Vasile faced only the eight theft charges. Defence lawyer Lennox Vella represented both men. Inspector Lydon Zammit led the prosecution, assisted by Clive Aquilina from the Office of the Attorney General.