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Vitals corruption case against Muscat, Mizzi and Schembri continues today
Joseph Muscat, Konrad Mizzi, and Keith Schembri return to court this morning, two weeks after being charged with serious crimes related to the fraudulent hospitals deal with Vitals Global Healthcare. Magistrate Rachel Montebello may determine if there is sufficient evidence for indictment. The evidence compilation continues against the former Prime Minister, ex-minister Konrad Mizzi, and former chief of staff Keith Schembri, along with 12 other individuals and nine companies. All defendants pleaded not guilty during their 10-hour arraignment on May 28. (Times of Malta)
1,700 companies found employing third-country nationals illegally in Malta
In 2023, 1,695 Maltese companies were found illegally employing migrants, highlighting enforcement issues and the heavy reliance on foreign labor. Labour Minister Byron Camilleri reported 197 investigations, with 122 closed cases: 46 referred to police and 10 to Jobsplus. New regulations will ban temping agencies from charging job placement fees, mandate contracts, and ensure pay protection. The new Employment Agencies Regulations, effective April 1, aim to improve professionalism and accountability, requiring agencies to be licensed, vetted, and compliant with strict standards. A bank guarantee and licensing fees will enforce compliance. These measures aim to prevent exploitation, promote fair labor practices, and address Malta’s labor and housing crises due to its reliance on migrant workers. (Newsbook)
Compilation of evidence on Jean Paul Sofia’s tragic death resumed in Court
The court proceedings against Perit Adriana Zammit, contractors Kurt Buhagiar and Matthew Schembri, and developers Milomar Jovicevic and Dijana Jovicevic resumed with evidence compilation. They are charged with the manslaughter of Jean Paul Sofia. The foreign developers were absent, having court permission to be abroad. During the hearing, two pathologists and a forensic officer confirmed their reports from the inquiry into the tragic death of Jean Paul Sofia, who died in a building collapse in Kordin in December 2022. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Labour holds Valletta, PN takes St. Paul’s Bay
Labour held on to the capital Valletta, while the Nationalist Party flipped St Paul’s Bay on the first day of vote counting for the Local Council Elections. The process of counting votes for all of Malta and Gozo’s localities started on Wednesday and will continue through to Friday. In Pembroke, the PN gained 10%, but Labour kept the Council by just 7 votes. There were no major surprises otherwise, with Labour holding a number of strongholds in the south and south-west and the Nationalists retaining St Julian’s, Iklin and Nadur. In Mellieħa, the PN appeared to have taken them majority of votes, but the election of an independent candidate leaves the mayoral position open with the major parties winning an equal number of seats.
MFSA dished out €400,000 in fines in 2023
During 2023, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) conducted 474 investigations, resulting in 77 enforcement actions and over €400,000 in fines. Among these investigations, 80 cases involved scams. More than a quarter of the investigations focused on individuals or entities conducting activities without the necessary permits. Specifically, 138 investigations dealt with unlicensed entities, followed by 117 investigations related to investments, and 112 investigations involving insurance and pensions activities. These investigations also included cases of cloned companies, which pose significant risks to consumers. (TVM)
UHM laments PM’s government workers remark
UHM boss Josef Vella has criticized Prime Minister Robert Abela’s remarks about government workers expecting “cushy jobs.” In a Facebook video, Vella described the situation as “surreal,” expressing disbelief that Abela would attribute Labour’s disappointing result in the MEP election to public sector workers. Vella also pointed to the permanent secretaries implicated in the Vitals fraud scandal, emphasizing that Abela must take responsibility for the issue. He argued that the problem originated with political pressure on the same workers now facing scrutiny. (Maltatoday)
