Updated 1200
WE Media Boss Probed Over Maksar Links: Edmond Mugliett, owner of WE Media, is under investigation for financial links to convicted members of an organised crime group involved in the 2017 murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Over €200,000 was paid by WE Media to Denise Agius, wife of Robert Agius, who supplied the bomb. Intelligence reports suggest Mugliett helped launder money and acted as a financial go-between for gang members, with further questionable payments made to associates of drug traffickers. Mugliett is also linked to a €2.8M property firm owned by Denise Agius and is facing a €1.8M tax bill. Authorities suspect money laundering and undeclared cash smuggling, with investigations ongoing and Mugliett remaining silent on the allegations.
Malta Crime Rate Drops to 30 Cases per Thousand People – Byron Camilleri: The Malta Police Force welcomed 36 new officers on Thursday amid a decline in crime to 30 cases per 1,000 people, down from 46 two decades ago. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri highlighted government support, including a new sectoral agreement, pension improvements, and a widow’s pension for officers who die in service. He urged recruits to act responsibly and build public trust. Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa noted Malta now ranks among the world’s ten safest countries and that the police remain the nation’s most trusted institution. He also thanked retiring Constable Christine Cutajar for her long service in recruitment. Constable Nicholas Bugelli received the PC Mark Farrugia award for best recruit.
Montekristo Zoo Denies Claim it Attracts Wild Birds Near Airport: The Civil Aviation Directorate raised safety concerns in a 2022 memo, warning that the illegal Montekristo zoo could attract wild birds near the airport, posing a risk to flight operations. While it did not object to sanctioning the zoo, it urged ongoing deterrence of bird activity. Architect Colin Zammit countered, claiming the zoo and family park do not attract wild birds due to noise and strict food controls. The park has operated without a planning permit, with past permits only covering a winery and vineyard. A 2010 application seeks to regularise the zoo and related facilities. The Environment and Resources Authority also requested a landscaping plan, but the Planning Authority has yet to issue a final decision.
Morning Briefing
Degiorgio seeks to testify in Caruana Galizia inquiry
George Degiorgio, serving 40 years for the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, has filed an urgent request to testify in the ongoing inquiry into her assassination. The request, signed by his lawyers Noel Bianco and Leslie Cuschieri, follows his recent conviction and life sentence for the 2015 murder of lawyer Carmel Chircop. Degiorgio and three other Maksar gang members have now been jailed for life for both crimes. He cited the convictions of Robert Agius and Jamie Vella, who supplied the bomb used in Galizia’s killing. Degiorgio claims he told police he now wants to speak out, “without any advantage to himself,” to ensure justice is served and clear any wrongfully imprisoned. He had pleaded guilty in 2022 but later tried to retract the confession. (Maltatoday)
Asylum claims and boat arrivals drop sharply
Malta saw a notable decline in asylum requests, boat arrivals, and pending migration cases in 2024, according to new data from the National Statistics Office ahead of World Refugee Day. The International Protection Agency received 701 initial and repeat asylum applications last year, excluding temporary protection, marking a 17.9% drop from 2023. Maritime arrivals also fell sharply, with just six boat landings bringing 238 people to Maltese shores — a 37.4% decrease. Most arrivals (80.7%) were from Asian countries, with the remaining 19.3% from Africa. December saw the highest number of arrivals, with 83 individuals reaching Malta. (The Malta Independent)
Manoel Island contract exit may cost €70m
Cancelling the Manoel Island contract could cost the government around €70 million, according to estimates discussed during a recent meeting between Government and MIDI. The figure reflects MIDI’s initial investment in the project, though it may change as expenses are finalised. Talks between the two sides are ongoing, with the government expected to respond with a counteroffer, possibly in cash or another form of compensation. Offering MIDI the White Rocks complex, previously speculated as a trade-off, is reportedly not being considered. The government aims to rescind the 99-year concession granted in 2000 and turn Manoel Island into a public park. MIDI declined to comment, citing the confidentiality of discussions. (Times of Malta)
