Updated 1215
European prosecutor opened four new investigations in 2023: The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has initiated four new investigations in Malta, amounting to an estimated €30 million in damages. With a total of 12 active investigations, EPPO focuses on cases of fraud and corruption harming the EU’s financial interests. In Malta alone, the total financial damage is approximately €160 million, with €108 million attributed to fraud. Additionally, five cases involve criminal activity across other EU nations. Last year, EPPO issued asset freezing orders totalling €12.1 million. The European prosecutor has been pivotal in numerous high-profile cases recently. (Times of Malta)
Government entities that refuse cash payments falling foul of the law: Transport Malta and Identity Malta’s searches unit exclusively accept card payments, which is inconvenient and potentially illegal. The Office of the Prime Minister denies a government-wide ban on cash transactions. It’s uncertain if other entities have similar policies. There’s no response regarding potential changes. Cash remains legal tender, with only transactions over €10,000 restricted, aiming to prevent money laundering, particularly for luxury purchases like cars and art. (Maltatoday)
Over 250,000 people in the Maltese islands estimated to be overweight, says Minister: More than a quarter million people in Malta are affected by excess weight, prompting the Ministry of Health to take action. Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela and Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing Malcolm Paul Agius Galea highlighted various initiatives to tackle obesity. They aim to provide personalised assistance to overweight individuals and are developing a national strategy. Minister Abela stressed prevention and noted the link between obesity and diabetes, advocating for early intervention. He also mentioned available medical interventions for addressing these conditions. The government prioritises individualised support and prevention efforts to combat the obesity epidemic affecting people of all ages. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Whistleblower tells Court TM officials asked him to help drivers pass tests
A whistleblower told court that Clint Mansueto, the director of licensing at Transport Malta, provided him with lists of driving test candidates and instructed him to assist them in passing their theory exams. Some of these candidates were associated with a minister’s residence, and there was external pressure to ensure their success in the tests. Adel Ali Hassan, a former translator at TM, testified via video link, asserting that Mansueto exerted pressure on him to aid candidates in passing their theory exams and threatened termination if he refused to comply. The whistleblower said that Mansueto also mentioned some candidates had to pass because they either worked at a Minister’s villa or “to get votes for Minister Ian Borg”. (Times of Malta)PN t
PN to propose no confidence motion after Sofia inquiry report
The opposition plans to put forward a parliamentary motion expressing no confidence in Ministers Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Miriam Dalli, and Silvio Schembri following the revelations from the public inquiry into the tragic construction site death of Jean Paul Sofia, as stated by Bernard Grech on Monday. The Opposition leader disclosed this information during a press conference outside parliament. In response, the Labour party dismissed the motion, labeling it as a mere “political gimmick.” During the incident in December 2022, Zrinzo Azzopardi oversaw planning and the construction sector, while Miriam Dalli and Silvio Schembri were in charge of state agencies INDIS and Malta Enterprise, respectively. The public inquiry emphasized the lack of regulation at the construction site during that time and held the state accountable for the oversight.
Man to be deported to US claims lack of fair hearing
Attorneys representing a Żabbar man, whose extradition to the United States was recently confirmed on appeal, have now initiated a constitutional case aiming to overturn that decision. They argue that he experienced a violation of his right to a fair hearing. This development marks the latest turn in the extradition proceedings of 27-year-old Daniel Joe Meli. He was apprehended on February 7 by local authorities in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General, with the backing of the FBI and the US Justice Department. The Northern District of Georgia had sought Meli’s extradition following his indictment in December 2023 for offenses related to computer access, damage and interception. (Maltatoday)
