Head of the Police’s Economic Crimes Unit Ian Abdilla will step down as part of the first major decision under the tenure of new Police Commissioner Angelo Gafá.

Abdilla will be replaced by Assistant Commissioner Alexandra Mamo, who was also reportedly one of the frontrunners for the election of police commissioner.

Speaking in a press conference, Gafá said that this was in no way a damning indictment of Abdilla’s tenure, rather recognition that the department needed to be improved.

Abdilla has faced stinging criticism for alleged inaction on financial crime, particularly when it comes to top officials in the government. Meanwhile, money laundering prosecutions remain worryingly low ahead of a crucial second MoneyVal test.

He also allegedly held a secret meeting with the FIAU head, the day before he submitted a report on Konrad Mizzi to a magisterial inquiry.

Abdilla has also faced criticism in his handling of the case against traffic officers who were allegedly involved in an extra-duty abuse racket that rocked the force last February.

Those involved say that Abdilla is simply making an example out of them to make up for his unit’s failure to take action on money laundering cases, especially when he failed to take action on much larger cases.

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