Iosif Galea, Renowned Gaming Consultant Accused Of Money Laundering, Granted Bail
Famous gaming consultant Iosif Galea, who was recently extradited from Germany, has been given bail while his case is still pending.
This development comes after his trial’s opening on Wednesday saw the acceptance of a new bail request. An emotional Galea, who has maintained his innocence, carefully watched the proceedings in court while pleading not guilty to allegations of money laundering, financial crimes as a former public employee, and misuse of technological equipment.
The breach of papers from the Malta Gaming Authority’s (MGA) database in December 2020, which was reported on by investigative media source The Shift, served as the spark for this high-profile lawsuit. A MGA internal inquiry as a result of this revelation pointed to Jason Farrugia, who was the CTO at the time and who appeared to be the only person with access to these materials outside of his specified work.
Farrugia was suspended, his work accounts were closed, and a magisterial inquiry as well as a two-pronged police investigate were launched. As the inquiry progressed, a communication between Farrugia and Galea, a former MGA employee, was discovered. It turned out that both were preparing a cooperative business venture.
“We’ll be losers if I’m suspended. Let’s think of other options…”
Galea’s involvement escalated when it was discovered that he actively sought to prevent any further police action and queried the police about the seizure of Farrugia’s laptop. Investigators recorded a significant amount of their “64,000 seconds of communication” between the two.
Farrugia allegedly continued to access the MGA’s system after his suspension and obtain key files, which complicated matters even more. Head of infrastructure and security for the MGA Matthew Busuttil said that the suspected user had reactivated four accounts to get covert system access.
Galea’s attorney, Edward Gatt, highlighted the similarities between both cases, emphasizing the advanced stage of the proceedings against the Farrugias. He also stressed that all evidence had been preserved thoroughly, questioning the potential for any evidence tampering.
Francesco Refalo, representing the AG, noted that bail conditions should echo the gravity of the charges.
After careful consideration, Magistrate Rachel Montebello set strict requirements for Galea’s release on bail: three times a week signatures in the bail book, a deposit of €15,000, and an additional personal guarantee of €15,000. Galea was given a severe warning to abide by all requirements or face the inevitable legal repercussions.
The MGA, with legal representation from James Baldacchino and assistance from Stephen Tonna Lowell, has been admitted as parte civile in the proceedings, while Inspector Brian Paul Camilleri led the prosecution.
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