Maltese financial institution implicated in major money-laundering probe
A Maltese financial institution has been found to have laundered a minimum of €4.5 million in proceeds from criminal activities since late 2015, according to a comprehensive pan-European police investigation. Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, revealed on Wednesday that the total amount of laundered funds could potentially reach tens of millions of euros. In a coordinated effort, national authorities from Latvia, Germany, France, Italy, and Malta, assisted by their Estonian counterparts, conducted over 100 searches across five countries. The operation targeted a Russian-Eurasian criminal network and a Maltese-based financial institution suspected of providing money-laundering services. (Times of Malta)
Court refuses Cassar’s quest to halt case after femicide law challenge
Murder suspect Roderick Cassar’s plea to halt the compilation of evidence until the resolution of his constitutional challenge to the femicide law has been rejected by a magistrate. Cassar faces accusations of murdering his estranged wife, Bernice Cassar, marking the first case falling under the newly enacted femicide law, and he maintains a plea of not guilty. Despite challenging the femicide law’s constitutionality, alleging discrimination and human rights violations, Magistrate Anne Marie Thake ruled on Wednesday against suspending criminal proceedings until the constitutional court issues its decision. (Maltatoday)
Malta joins disgruntled voices as US vetos calls for Gaza ceasefire
Malta has expressed frustration regarding the United States’ decision to veto a resolution advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Introduced by Algeria on behalf of Arab countries, the resolution aimed to prompt the Council to take a firm stance mandating an instant cessation of hostilities. It also called for the release of hostages held by both sides and guaranteed unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. Despite receiving support from Malta and 13 other Council members, including Russia and France, the resolution faltered when the US exercised its veto power. Vanessa Frazier, Malta’s representative, highlighted the deteriorating situation in Gaza and addressed escalating concerns about widespread hunger among its inhabitants.
