Enough evidence to charge Grixti and conspirators on fraud scheme
The court has ruled that there is enough evidence to charge five men accused of orchestrating a benefit fraud scheme, dismissing their lawyers’ efforts to cast doubt on the legal protocols governing court experts’ examination of evidence. The evidence compilation against Silvio Grixti and his alleged associates, Roger Agius, Emmanuel Spagnol, Dustin Caruana, and Luke Saliba, progressed before magistrate Rachel Montebello on Tuesday. During the proceedings, there were discussions about the prosecution’s proposal for the court to appoint an expert to extract and safeguard data from Grixti’s confiscated laptop. Grixti’s attorney, Franco Debono, opposed the request, urging for the evidence to be invalidated, citing perceived shortcomings in Maltese laws regarding evidence preservation. (The Malta Independent)
Manfred Galdes appointed new HSBC CEO
Dr Manfred Galdes has been appointed as the new Chairman of HSBC Bank Malta, succeeding John Bonello who announced his decision to retire, after 11 years of service, during the AGM held in April. The retirement of John Bonello from Chairman and Director of the Bank and the appointment of Manfred Galdes as Chairman are with effect from 23 April 2024. Dr Manfred Galdes is one of Malta’s foremost anti-money laundering and compliance specialists, having formerly headed the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit. He was also a non-Executive HSBC Board member for the past three years.
Women support NGO says re-instatement of TM official ‘slap in the face’
A women’s support NGO criticized the government for reinstating Transport Malta official Clint Axisa despite facing sexual harassment charges, calling it a “slap in the face” for abuse victims and a sign of poor leadership. Axisa denied the charges in court in 2022 and was recently allowed to return to work for Infrastructure Malta under a new government policy allowing workers facing criminal charges to resume work. Fidem Foundation expressed dismay, questioning Malta’s handling of sexual harassment cases and the prospects for real change. (Times of Malta)
