Latest Update- News Portal Briefing
Times of Malta says the now-shuttered Pilatus Bank and a top official were arraigned on money laundering charges
MaltaToday reports that vaccine booster shots for residents in elderly homes will start being administered from Monday 6 September after two clusters of COVID-19 infections were recorded recently. reports that
Newsbook reports that the financial services regulator has announced on its website that three companies have left Malta.
TVM says that the National Blood Bank is appealing for more than 100 bags of blood which is required for patients currently at Mater Dei, including babies.
Updated 1430 – Sant Fournier charged with ML offences, granted bail
Claude-Ann Sant Fournier, formerly Pilatus Bank’ Money Laundering Reporting Officer, and a director was charged with money laundering offences. Inspector Pauline Bonello said that Sant Fournier was arrested earlier this year but refused to answer any questions. After a request by the defence lawyer Stefano Filletti, Magistrate Joe Mifsud grants Sant Fournier bail, in consideration that she is a mother of minors.
Updated 1238 Mid-Day Briefing
Covid-19 Update: There were 75 new cases registered in the past 24 hours. Malta registered 54 recoveries as active cases stood at 704. 3,709 swab tests were taken. A total of 34 Covid positive patients were currently being treated at Mater Dei hospital, 2 of whom are in the ITU.
Pilatus arraignments imminent: Media reports suggest that the police will be proceeding against top officials at Pilatus Bank and will arraign the institution and top executives in the coming hours. This morning, The Times of Malta revealed that a number of former top bank officials at Pilatus Bank are expected to be charged in court in a matter of days, Earlier this week the FIAU has issued a record fine against the bank for significant money laundering transgressions. The police said that charges will be brought “against a local bank” and a 41-year-old Sliema resident, which according to same paper is Claude-Anne Sant Fournier, formerly head of legal at the bank.
PN proposes mapping of all trees in Malta: The Nationalist Party said it wanted to map all trees in Malta. Sources within the party told the press that the PN’s proposals will focus on expanding green and open spaces. The environment will be at the forefront of their election campaign, the sources said. “We believe that emphasis should be placed on planting native tree species which are suitable for our local climate and serve to sustain our local ecosystem,” an outline document seen by Times of Malta says.
Home loans guaranteed for people with disabilities, medical conditions: The government announced a new scheme that will guarantee loans for people struggling to secure affordable life insurance. This scheme will address those who were either denied life insurance or forced to pay a high premium on their insurance due to a disability or medical condition. To be eligible for the scheme, one must first try and purchase an insurance policy from a private company. If this is refused, postponed by 12 months, or estimated to cost twice and a half more than the average price due to medical or disability reasons, then they will be eligible.
Updated 0845: Newspaper Review
L-Orizzont reports the launch of a Housing Authority scheme offering bank guarantees to people ineligible for home loans because of past health conditions. Announcing the project, Prime Minister Abela said that the government is sensitive to people’s difficulties.
The Times says that the police are drafting arrest warrants for former senior officials at the now-shuttered Pilatus Bank. Sources told the paper that the police did not have an actionable version of an inquiry into the bank until recently.
Business Today says that Lombard Bank registered a €4 million profit before tax in the first half of this year, reporting increases in interest revenues, loans and advances to customers compared with the same period in 2020.
The Malta Business Weekly carries an interview with the CEO of the Gozo Tourism Authority, Joe Muscat, who said an airlink is essential to the island. The GTA is proposing an 800-metre airstrip for small fixed-wing aircraft.
The Independent says that the Prime Minister avoided a direct answer to questions about a possible November election. He dismissed the days being mentioned as rumour and said the government is focused on the Budget.
In-Nazzjon says that the Holy See is assessing the Covid-19 situation before dates for the Pope’s trip to Malta are confirmed. The pontiff is expected to visit the islands before visiting Cyprus in early December.
The Times quotes Pope Francis that he intends to make a tour of small European countries including Malta later this year. A spokesperson for the curia said that no date has been confirmed yet, but sources say the visit is expected on November 20 or 21.
The Independent says that a police investigation into a series of spoofing attacks on newsrooms has been launched. A police spokesperson said the probe relies on the collaboration of foreign entities.
L-Orizzont says that education authorities have not discussed a plan for the re-opening of schools with teachers’ representatives, weeks before the start of the scholastic year. Unions urged the government to start consultation immediately.
The Malta Business Weekly quotes a report by the anti-money laundering watchdog exposing a series of systemic failures in the way Pilatus Bank was run. The FIAU said the bank applied a lax approach to due diligence obligations.
Business Today reports that the Financial Services Authority has suspended the listing of Melite Finance’s bonds for 10 days for failing to publish unaudited financial reports for the first six months of the year.
In-Nazzjon says that a PN working group is reviewing claims of injustice in the public sector, promising redress to victims if the party is elected to government. The group is composed of experts in public administration.
Morning Briefing
Aftermath of Pilatus fine: arrests expected, resignations requested
A number of former top bank officials at Pilatus Bank are expected to be charged in court in a matter of days, The Times of Malta revealed. Earlier this week the FIAU has issued a record fine against the bank for significant money laundering transgressions.
Central Bank governor Edward Scicluna should not remain in his position, the PN said on Wednesday, hitting out at the former minister for having defended the now-defunct Pilatus Bank. As minister responsible for the financial regulator, Scicluna had the final responsibility over the banking system and not only did he not act but he defended the institution until the end, the PN said.
PM promises anti-SLAPP reform
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced that the government wants to be at the forefront of introducing anti-SLAPP legislation.
In a press briefing yesterday, Abela said: “The only debate we had the past months was whether we can include that law while at the same time not being in conflict with other laws such as the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure which regulates the work of our courts, particularly where it concerns the recognition of foreign court decisions”.
One of the points we are seeing in terms of anti-SLAPP legislation is to ensure our journalists are protected and can work. We cannot have the fourth pillar of democracy, journalism, fear of action which is aimed at silencing them from doing their job. We are looking ahead to formalise legislative amendments and we will be looking for your contribution”, he added.
Covid-19 Update: 76 new cases of Covid-19 were reported on Wednesday, while 49 recovered, taking the active case tally up to 683. 4,043 swab tests were carried out yesterday. A total of 31 patients are currently hospitalised, two in intensive care.
