Sleight of Hand in Valletta: Two Women Arrested in Major Pickpocketing Crackdown

VALLETTA — A swift intervention by the Malta Police Force has led to the arrest and swift arraignment of two foreign nationals following an ongoing spree of pick pocketing targeting tourists and locals in the crowded streets of the capital.

The arrests come amid growing public concern and explicit warnings from local tour guides regarding an apparent uptick in organized, opportunistic thefts near Valletta’s busiest thoroughfares and transport hubs.

The multi-day operation reached a climax on Sunday afternoon, June 7, 2026 when a police officer on a targeted foot patrol near Valletta's prominent City Gate was flagged down by an alert bystander. The witness reported observing two women actively lifting items from a female pedestrian's bag in the crowded entrance area.

The officer moved quickly to intercept the suspects, taking them into custody on the spot. Following detailed subsequent investigations, police linked the duo to a wider string of thefts involving cash and valuable personal belongings stolen during the Sette Giugno public holiday festivities on Republic Street.

The suspects have been identified as Romanian nationals Alberta Denisa Adir, 21, and Roxana Trusca, 22.

The two women were brought before Magistrate Abigail Critien on Tuesday morning, facing multiple counts of aggravated theft and conspiracy. Confronted with the evidence—which included identification by a victim who witnessed the crime firsthand—both defendants registered immediate guilty pleas to all charges brought against them.

Rather than issuing an immediate sentence, Magistrate Critien deferred final judgment until June 24. In the interim, both women have been officially remanded in custody without bail.

The successful apprehensions follow recent investigative reporting by The Times, which highlighted that local tour guides had started documenting and sharing unblurred photos of known pickpocket syndicates operating around City Gate to protect their clients.

While applauding the prompt arrest, the Malta Police Force reiterated its call for heightened community vigilance. Authorities are strongly urging both locals and visiting tourists to tightly secure personal items, zipper bags, and electronic devices, particularly when moving through dense crowds, long queues, or navigating the public transport network.