Antonino Ciavarello, the son-in-law of the late Sicilian mafia boss Totò Riina, was apprehended in Mosta, Malta, early on Thursday morning, just one day after celebrating his 50th birthday. His arrest was made pursuant to a European Arrest Warrant issued in Italy. According to a statement by the police, the warrant was issued by Italian authorities on January 24, 2022. Ciavarello, aged 50, is sought by the Brindisi Public Prosecutor’s Office in Italy to serve a prison sentence following convictions for fraud and breach of police bail. He has consented to his extradition to Italy. (Times of Malta)
Malta to seek OECD membership – PM
During a conference with Maltese ambassadors, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that Malta will officially submit its application to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Abela argued that Malta’s membership in the OECD will not only amplify the country’s influence on international policy but will also serve to advance the interests of small states. He urged the ambassadors to fulfill their responsibility in promoting peace and prosperity while diligently carrying out their duties. (Maltatoday)
Government announces new agencies’ CEOs Mater Dei CEO Steve Agius has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Agency Identità by the Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality, Byron Camilleri. Before taking on this role, Agius served as Chief Operating Officer at Mater Dei Hospital. He takes the lead role at the agency responsible for passports, visa, identity documents, work and residence documents from Colonel Mark Mallia. The latter has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Medical Services, replacing Carmen Ciantar in the role. The Health Ministry announced that the appointment will be effective from next month after Ciantar tendered her resignation, which was accepted by new Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela. (The Malta Independent)
