Former Malta Gaming Authority CEO Heathcliff Farrugia colluded with murder suspect Yorgen Fenech to try to prevent the publication of findings of an inspection revealing weak anti-money laundering controls at the Tumas Gaming casinos.
The two casinos, which were at the time run by Fenech as Tumas Gaming’s CEO, were the subject of a joint compliance inspection by the FIAU and MGA in 2018 to ensure their adherence with laws designed to prevent money laundering.
Inspectors found several breaches of these laws, including a “complete failure” to establish the source of funds and wealth of the casino customers.
The findings also highlighted how the money-laundering reporting officer at the casinos struggled to prove his knowledge of the relevant anti-money laundering laws.
Former Gaming Authority CEO charged over Yorgen Fenech liaison
Former Malta Gaming Authority CEO Heathcliff Farrugia charged over liaison with Yorgen Fenech
8 March 2021, 8:13am
by Laura Calleja
Farrugia resigned back in October after the police questioned him on his relations with Yorgen Fenech.
Fenech is alleged to be the mastermind behind the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Fenech was the CEO of Tumas Gaming and the Portomaso Casino.
Former chief officer Karl Brincat Peplow also resigned.
Sources told Times of Malta that Farrugia was found to be in communication with Fenech. This communication included commercially sensitive information regarding casino operators, among other things.