Police are investigating a “high-profile” case of parents allegedly misappropriating tens of thousands of donations intended for their child’s medical treatment. 

“This isn’t like when you have a contractual agreement that is not honoured. Some gave €2, €5, others €100,” sources said.

Sources told The Times of Malta that most of the child’s medical treatment abroad was actually free; and that several cash transactions linked to sports betting and other purchases have raised several red flags. However, it appears that some of the fees were used on treatment abroad and other costs. 

It is reported that the parents also benefitted from donations from Puttinu Cares.

Donations, sources said, were made in small cash amounts, proving a challenge for the police to trace. The police have had similar cases in the past, but had to drop them because of lack of evidence. 

New donations and fundraising regulations have been introduced; and organisations need  to apply with the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (VOs) every time they wished to collect funds. 

They would also have obliged VOs to do so using containers obtained from the Commissioner’s office while also introducing any funds collected to be counted by a public officer within the Office of the Commissioner. 

This has not been without its controversy with NGOs describing the reform as a hindrance to people’s right to associate with any group they liked.

What do you think of the case?