Daniel Meli’s mother told the court: “I am ready to go to prison because of my son”

Judge Leonard Caruana told Daniel Joe Meli’s mother that he had “put his neck to the axe for her” after announcing he was prepared to vouch for her.

Caruana warned the mother of Daniel Joe Meli that she could face serious consequences if she acted as his guarantor, after defense lawyers requested his release on bail following his eight-month detention for allegedly selling illegal malware on the dark web.

Defense lawyers Arthur Azzopardi and Franco Debono requested Meli’s release from detention, explaining that at this stage all the evidence had been collected and stored for several months.

The defense also stated that if the Court grants him parole, his parents in the courtroom are ready to vouch for him and even return him to their home. The defense also requested the Court to take into account that Meli had been detained for eight months and that changes had been made to the law on extradition during this period.

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Despite this, the prosecution insisted that Meli be kept in custody due to fear of escape and tampering with evidence. The prosecution said Meli worked with approximately 500 clients and posted on social media to an audience of approximately 8,000 people, while also claiming that he had strong connections to other jurisdictions, which would make it easier for Meli to flee Malta.

The court announced to Meli’s parents that they would be held responsible if their son violated the terms of the Court. When the judge asked the mother if she understood the burden of this guarantee, the mother said that she was afraid that the court would demand from her an amount of money that she did not have. However, Meli’s mother said, “I am ready to go to prison for my son.”

While informing the parties that the decision would be given later by the Court decision, Judge Leonard Caruana said, “You will put your neck to the ax for that.”

Daniel Joe Meli, 28, from Haż Żabbar, is accused of selling illegal malware on the dark web and being linked to mentoring services on the so-called hacking forum.

This is an ongoing case.

The prosecution is led by Inspector Mario Cuschieri and Inspector Robinson Mifsud. Lawyers Arthur Azzopardi and Franco Debono.