Public Corruption and Financial Crime Scandal Rocks Malta

Eight Suspects Arrested in Customs Fraud Probe

In a significant crackdown on public corruption and financial crime, eight suspects including five public officials were arrested in Valletta, Malta following an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) into customs fraud and corruption.

The Scheme

The suspects are accused of orchestrating a massive scheme to evade payment of customs taxes and duties on imported goods from China. According to investigators, the scam was carried out with the complicity of customs officials who allegedly received bribes to turn a blind eye to the fraud.

Key Details

• The scheme is believed to have caused millions of euros in damage to the EU budget.
• Three individuals representing two companies are being investigated for masterminding the scheme.

Investigation and Searches

As part of the probe, police searched several locations across Malta including: + Customs offices + Residences of the suspects + Registered addresses of the companies under investigation

The searches yielded a significant haul, with: + Three high-value vehicles seized + Approximately €180,000 in cash seized + Measures taken to freeze all funds and immoveable property belonging to the suspects

Crimes Under Investigation

The crimes under investigation include:

• Customs fraud
• Corruption of public officials
• Money laundering

Suspects’ Status

All eight suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent Maltese courts of law.

Collaboration between Authorities

The EPPO worked closely with: + Malta Police Force + Malta’s Customs Enforcement Section + Malta’s Asset Recovery Bureau to bring the suspects to justice.

About the European Public Prosecutor’s Office

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is an independent public prosecution office responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.