Updated 1205
€1m Fraud Case Sparks Scrutiny of BOV Security Controls: A €1 million fraud affecting 200 victims has raised concerns over local banks’ safeguards, with former journalist Norman Vella accusing Bank of Valletta (BOV) of failing to address alleged security weaknesses. The case centres on 25-year-old Tammy Caruana, charged with fraud, money laundering and organised crime, accused of extracting funds by impersonating banks. Vella claims BOV’s systems, particularly around device logins and transaction monitoring, are vulnerable. BOV rejects the allegations, stating it does not use SMS for payment authorisation and employs multi-factor authentication and AI-driven monitoring. The bank noted recent rulings have favoured it where customers approved transac…
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Abela Joins EU Leaders for Competitiveness Talks in Brussels: Prime Minister Robert Abela is in Brussels for an informal European leaders’ meeting focused on strengthening the single market and boosting competitiveness amid global challenges. Convened by European Council President Antonio Costa at Alden Biesen castle, discussions centre on the global geo-economic landscape and the EU’s internal economic strategy. Mario Draghi is set to outline how shifting geopolitical dynamics affect Europe’s competitiveness, while Enrico Letta will propose ways to deepen the single market by cutting barriers and simplifying rules. The retreat will shape preparations for next month’s formal European Council summit on economic resilience. (TVM News)
Marsascala Man Faces Multiple Charges After Reckless Driving Incidents: A 21-year-old man from Marsascala is facing multiple criminal charges after a series of reckless driving incidents, including a collision that injured two Transport Malta officials. Stoyan Gafà pleaded guilty to driving a Mercedes dangerously, without insurance, under the influence of cannabis, and breaching bail conditions. The officers were supervising traffic at the Sta Lucija tunnel when the vehicle crashed into their car, leaving one grievously injured and the other with minor injuries. The Mercedes, still registered to a third party, had not been transferred to Gafà’s name. He is also charged in connection with the fatal Christmas Eve collision that killed Angie Marlene Mesa Gonzalez, as well as another reckless driving incident last December, highlighting ongoing concerns over road safety and
Morning Briefing
Marsascala Man Faces Multiple Charges After Reckless Driving Incidents
A 21-year-old man from Marsascala is facing multiple criminal charges after a series of reckless driving incidents, including a collision that injured two Transport Malta officials. Stoyan Gafà pleaded guilty to driving a Mercedes dangerously, without insurance, under the influence of cannabis, and breaching bail conditions. The officers were supervising traffic at the Sta Lucija tunnel when the vehicle crashed into their car, leaving one grievously injured and the other with minor injuries. The Mercedes, still registered to a third party, had not been transferred to Gafà’s name. He is also charged in connection with the fatal Christmas Eve collision that killed Angie Marlene Mesa Gonzalez, as well as another reckless driving incident last December, highlighting ongoing concerns over road safety and enforcement in Malta. (Times of Malta)
Malta to Launch Drone Service for Rapid Medical Deliveries
Government has announced that a public call will soon be issued for a drone service to transfer pharmaceutical and biological materials between Mater Dei Hospital and Gozo General Hospital. The initiative aims to reduce inconvenience for patients and their families while ensuring swift and safe delivery of critical medicines, including 11 types of monoclonal antibodies. The service will also enable rapid transport of blood, fluids and tissue samples, improving diagnostic capabilities and standards of care. The project coincides with the expansion of Gozo General Hospital’s Day Care Unit from six to 15 patients. (Maltatoday)
Residential Property Sales Rise in Malta During January 2026
The first month of the year saw a rise in residential property sales and deeds, according to the National Statistics Office. In January, 1,127 sales contracts were registered, marking an increase of 51 contracts or 4.7 per cent compared to the same month last year. The total value of these contracts rose by 23.4 per cent, surpassing €382 million. San Pawl il-Baħar recorded the highest number of sales contracts, followed by Birkirkara and Wied il-Għajn, with 89 per cent of contracts involving individual buyers. January also saw 1,159 deeds registered, up by 64 on the previous year. The figures suggest continued momentum in Malta’s residential property market, reflecting both sustained buyer demand and growth in transaction values in early 2026. (TVM News)
