IMEX Malta |
IMEX Malta - It's a personal service. The Gateway to Europe. |
 | 
|
Magisterial Inquiry Initiated into Alleged Fraud at Identita Malta
August 13 2024 08:49 by PCLMedia
A magisterial inquiry is set to be launched to investigate the alleged corruption within Malta’s national identity data regulator, Identità Malta. The inquiry follows accusations of fraudulent practices in the issuance of identity cards to foreign nationals, brought forward by former Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi.
The inquiry will empower both a magisterial team and police investigators to gather and seize evidence related to the allegations, which suggest the existence of an organized crime racket operating within the government agency. Azzopardi, who has been vocal about his concerns, revealed during a Facebook livestream that a duty magistrate had accepted his request to investigate what he described as charges of corruption, conspiracy, organized crime, document falsification, and money laundering.
Azzopardi has specifically accused Identità Malta employees Bernard Attard and Maria Spiteri of playing central roles in the alleged fraud. According to Azzopardi, Attard would collect payments of over €2,000 from each foreign national to produce a Maltese identity card within 30 days, using falsified documents such as marriage or birth certificates. Spiteri, who was responsible for Identità Malta’s Brexit section, is also implicated in the alleged scheme.
Identità Malta has strongly denied the allegations, which claim that up to 18,000 fake identity cards could have been issued to foreign nationals in exchange for payments ranging from €2,000 to €5,000 per document. The accusations originally surfaced from claims made by two foreign prisoners who were sentenced to six months in jail for possession of falsified documents. These individuals, who have been denied whistleblower status despite their willingness to expose the alleged racket, are believed to have provided key information leading to the inquiry.
In response to the allegations, Identità Malta stated that its Compliance and Expatriates Units had already conducted an internal investigation. The agency claims to have passed on information and evidence regarding "some individuals" to the police for further investigation, although no details about the nature of the evidence have been disclosed.
The initiation of the magisterial inquiry marks a significant development in the case, with Azzopardi hailing it as a historic moment in the fight against corruption. He urged the public to come forward with any relevant information, particularly if they have received correspondence at their homes addressed to foreign nationals they do not know. "Take action and do not fear," Azzopardi encouraged, adding that "Castille’s mafia is scared of all of us."
This inquiry could have far-reaching implications, not only for Identità Malta but also for the broader political landscape in Malta, as it shines a light on alleged corruption and organized crime within the government. The outcome of this investigation may lead to significant legal and political consequences, further intensifying the scrutiny on the country's handling of national identity documentation and its governance standards.
Do not hesitat to contact us for more information.