Libyan Businessman Arrested in Malta on Money Laundering Charges

• Murad Ali Al-Furjani, a 38-year-old Libyan businessman, was arrested in Malta on suspicion of money laundering and criminal conspiracy. [Times of Malta]
• The arrest comes two years after a €20 million money laundering and tax evasion case involving several Libyan nationals was uncovered.

The Money Laundering Racket

• Al-Furjani was reportedly linked to a racket where Libyan nationals transported cash, allegedly linked to the purchase of luxury merchandise.
• Most of the money involved in the racket was being taken to Turkey.

Customs Declarations

• Investigations discovered that several Maltese citizens of Arab origin had declared significant cash sums when going through customs at the Malta International Airport.
• Al-Furjani, who had resided in Libya with his family, had traveled to Malta for a short visit and was arrested upon arrival.

Previous Investigations

• In testimony during a 2021 case, Prosecuting Inspector Keith Mallan revealed that investigations were coordinated with foreign jurisdictions, such as the US, UK, Italy, and Europol.

Court Appearance

• Al-Furjani entered a not guilty plea during his court appearance and was remanded in custody.
• No request for bail was made since the accused had no fixed address or employment in Malta.

Ongoing Investigation

• The Maltese government has yet to provide further details regarding this ongoing investigation.