Man fined €10,000 for illegally keeping tiger in Marsaskala
A 52-year-old man from Attard has been fined €10,000 after a court found him guilty of illegally keeping a tiger in a field in Marsaskala. Joshua Grima was charged following a police inspection carried out in February 2023 after authorities received an anonymous report about noises coming from exotic animals. Police and Veterinary Services officials discovered a tiger and two lions being kept in cages in a field in Triq iz-Ziju. Although the animals were found to be in satisfactory physical condition, none had been microchipped or officially registered as required by law. The court heard that changes introduced to legislation in 2025 allowed owners to regularise unregistered dangerous animals within a 90-day period. Grima successfully registered the lions and was cleared of related charges. However, the tiger died before being regularised, leading the court to uphold charges linked to its illegal possession. (Maltatoday)
KM Malta Airlines launches direct route to Málaga
KM Malta Airlines has officially launched its new direct route between Malta and Málaga, strengthening links between Malta and southern Spain. The inaugural flight operated on Wednesday and was marked by welcome events at both Malta International Airport and Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. The airline said the new service will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Sundays, offering passengers direct access to one of Spain’s most popular Mediterranean destinations. Málaga, located on the Costa del Sol, is renowned for its beaches, cultural attractions and Andalusian heritage. The airline described the launch as another important step in expanding Malta’s international connectivity and tourism links. (The Malta Independent)
Premier League player arrested over alleged FA Trophy bribery attempt
A Premier League footballer has been arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe a Gżira United player ahead of last Saturday’s FA Trophy final. According to reports, the player accused of offering money does not play for Valletta FC, which went on to win the final 2-1. The suspect has not yet been identified as he has not been arraigned in court. The alleged approach reportedly took place a day before the match, when a Gżira player informed club officials that he had been offered money to influence the outcome of the game in Valletta’s favour. Gżira United and Valletta FC are understood to have immediately informed the Malta Football Association’s integrity officer, triggering an investigation and a police report. Investigators reportedly spoke to several players and reviewed evidence before arresting the suspect, who was interrogated and held under arrest. (Times of Malta)
