Updated 1230
AI now being used to target victims of fraud: A new, AI-driven fraud scheme is targeting Maltese citizens, using fluent Maltese to deceive victims and steal thousands of euros. So far in 2025, €150,000 has been stolen through this scam alone. Overall, online fraud in Malta is escalating, with nearly €7 million lost in 750 fake banking cases last year. Police warn that this latest scam, featuring convincing phone calls from a woman using AI, poses serious challenges, as evidence often vanishes in real time. Authorities believe many victims do not report these crimes, underestimating the true scale. Inspector Brimmer urged the public to stay vigilant and report all incidents to help track evolving threats and improve investigative responses.
Judge concludes testimony review as Ta’ Maksar murder trial nears end: Madam Justice Edwina Grima concluded her summary of witness testimonies on Wednesday in the trial by jury of four men accused of murdering lawyer Carmel Chircop in 2015 and journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017. The trial of Robert and Adrian Agius (Ta’ Maksar), George Degiorgio (iċ-Ċiniż), and Jamie Vella is nearing its end after six weeks. The judge will continue on Thursday before jurors begin deliberations. The accused deny wrongdoing, with their defence questioning the credibility of key witness Vince Muscat. Justice Grima reminded jurors to base their verdict only on evidence presented in court and not on testimonies heard outside the trial.
MIDI denies breaking Manoel Island concession agreement: MIDI plc has denied breaching its concession agreement for Manoel Island, following government scrutiny and a political shift on the issue. In response, MIDI asserted it is fully compliant with all legal and contractual obligations and open to official review. The company emphasised that the 2000 agreement, backed by both major parties, is legally binding and allows timeline extensions. MIDI reaffirmed its commitment to the project, noting that 80% of the site is allocated for public and heritage use, and expressed willingness to discuss enhancements with the government while safeguarding stakeholders’ interests.
Morning Briefing
EU Report: Malta’s growth strong, but key challenges persist
The European Commission’s 2024 EU Semester report confirms Malta’s strong economic momentum, driven by domestic demand and service-based exports like tourism, IT, and finance. GDP grew by 6.0% in 2024, with further growth projected at 4.1% in 2025 and 4.0% in 2026. Malta remains less exposed than most EU countries to external trade shocks. However, the report highlights structural challenges that could undermine future competitiveness. Labour shortages, low R&I investment, high administrative burdens, and slow judicial processes persist. Malta also lags behind in the green transition, with limited renewable uptake and mounting environmental pressures.
Skills Pass to be made mandatory frrom 2026
The Skills Pass will become mandatory from January 2026 for all individuals employed in Malta’s hospitality and tourism industry, including Maltese and EU nationals, the Institute of Tourism Studies announced on Wednesday. To ensure a smooth certification process ahead of the deadline, Maltese and EU nationals are encouraged to begin applying from 1 July. Applicants may choose from one of three available certification pathways. More information is available on skillspass.org.mt. (The Malta Independent)
PN ‘prepared to do everything possible’ to transform Manoel Island into a national park
Opposition leader Bernard Grech has declared that the Nationalist Party is prepared to do “everything possible” to transform Manoel Island into a national park. “In the case of Manoel Island, the public interest requires us to act now — before any construction begins — to ensure the site becomes a national park,” Grech said in a statement. The party’s stance marks a shift in tone. Just a week earlier, Grech had said that existing contracts must be honoured and described the idea of turning the island into a park as merely a “beautiful dream.” Following Grech’s remarks and growing support from other MPs, the Nationalist Party’s parliamentary group reportedly agreed to coordinate their position on the matter. (Times of Malta)
