e-money firm at centre of major investigation – report An e-money company located in Gżira has become a focal point in an international investigation into an alleged “Russian-Eurasian criminal network,” according to information uncovered revealed on The Times of Malta. This week, police conducted searches at Papaya, the financial institution suspected of providing ‘money-laundering services’ to the criminal network. While some details about the international probe have been disclosed, Papaya has not been officially identified as the financial institution under investigation. EuroJust, the EU’s criminal justice cooperation agency, has stated that a minimum of €4.5 million has been laundered through Malta since the end of 2015, with the total potentially reaching “tens of millions of euros.”
Sofia inquiry to be presented in days
The inquiry report led by Ombudsman Joseph Zammit McKeon on the Jean Paul Sofia case has been concluded and is anticipated to be presented to the Prime Minister in the coming days. The inquiry board, which includes Auditor General Charles Deguara and perit Mario Cassar, has finalised its findings and recommendations. The sources indicate that the report will be delivered to the Prime Minister well before the board’s self-imposed end-of-March deadline, which was set in November of the previous year. The public inquiry was established in August following Prime Minister Robert Abela’s decision to accede to the demands of the victim’s family. Jean Paul Sofia, aged 20, passed away on December 3, 2022 in a construction site accident. (Maltatoday)
Migrants demand fairness, stability
Migrants who have lived in Malta for a number of years took to the streets to protest for fairness and stability on their residency status in Malta, saying that it was unjust that they have to live in fear of deportation despite living, working, and paying taxes in Malta for several years. A protest took place on Sunday where dozens of migrants who have been residing in Malta for a long time, including several years, marched from Hamrun Square to Valletta despite inclement weather, ending their march and delivered some speeches regarding the issue outside of Parliament. (The Malta Independent)
