Breaking: Money Laundering, Bribery And Corruption – Joseph Muscat Officially The First Former Maltese Prime Minister To Be Criminally Charged
Joseph Muscat is making history as the first ex-prime minister in Malta to be criminally charged, and will face charges of money laundering, bribery, corruption and several other serious crimes.
Muscat is being charged alongside his ex-chief-of-staff Keith Schembri, ex-minister Konrad Mizzi, and 19 other individuals and companies in relation to the fraudulent deal of Vitals Healthcare to privatise three hospitals. This was annulled by a court last year.
Prosecutors allege that Muscat, Mizzi, and Schembri received bribes from David Meli, a lawyer who represented Steward and who is also among those charged. The trio is also being accused of setting up a criminal association and trading in influence, according to a report by the Times of Malta.
Brian Tonna and Karl Cini of Nexia BT are alleged to have helped Muscat, Mizzi and Schembri commit those crimes.
Schembri is separately charged with having sought personal advantages that he was not entitled to, and of having made unlawful or excessive claims.
Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne, Central Bank Governer and former minister Edward Scicluna, as well as several other former government permanent secretaries, lawyers, advisors and chairmen of different boards will face lesser charges.
Magistrate Rachel Montebello was assigned the cases.
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