Malta was frequently mentioned for its large enslaved Jewish population in Jewish literature of the period. The Knights would capture Jews and Muslims during corsairing raids against Ottoman merchant ships and coastal towns, and keep them hostage in the "bagnos" (prisons) of Birgu, Valletta or Senglea, to extort ransom. It would be up to Jewish Societies for the Redemption of Captives ("Pidion Shevuim") to raise such amounts from Jewish communities across Europe, including Livorno, London and Amsterdam. Failing rescue, Jews would be sold as indentured servants, and given a Christian name, to be freed by the Master only on deathbed. Those Jews (particularly women) who peddled their services as healers and diviners would often face the Inquisition.