Former Economic Crimes Inspector Sentenced for Mafia-Style Threats

In an ironic twist of fate, a man once tasked with upholding the law has found himself on the other side of the bars. Joseph Xuereb, a former inspector with the Economic Crimes Unit, was sentenced to four months in prison after being found guilty of making Mafia-style threats. The sentencing took place at the Criminal Court in Valletta, with Judge Joseph Mifsud delivering the verdict.

From Crime Fighter to Crime Committor

Xuereb, a 45-year-old resident of Msida, was arrested in 2019 following an investigation into threats made against a local businessman. The businessman, who runs a successful construction company in Birkirkara, had received a series of menacing phone calls, with Xuereb allegedly warning him that his business would suffer if he didn’t comply with certain demands.

Xuereb’s fall from grace is a stark reminder of the thin line that separates the hunter from the hunted. Once a respected member of the Malta Police Force, Xuereb’s career spanned over two decades, with a significant portion of that time spent tackling economic crimes. His expertise in the field was such that he was often called upon to give expert testimony in court.

Threats Made in the Name of ‘Justice’

Xuereb’s defense argued that the threats were made in the name of ‘justice’, with Xuereb claiming that he was acting in the interests of a third party who had been wronged by the businessman. However, the court was not convinced by this argument, with Judge Mifsud stating that Xuereb’s actions were those of a criminal, not a crusader for justice.

“The threats made by the accused were not only menacing but also carried a clear criminal intent,” Judge Mifsud said. “The accused, despite his background, is not above the law. In fact, he should know better than most the seriousness of his actions.”

Lessons Learned

Xuereb’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of vigilantism and the rule of law. While it may be tempting to take matters into one’s own hands, the justice system is designed to handle such matters, with trained professionals ensuring that justice is served in a fair and impartial manner.

Xuereb’s conviction sends a strong message to those who might be tempted to use Mafia-style threats to further their own ends. The Malta Police Force, under the leadership of Commissioner Angelo Gafà, has made it clear that such actions will not be tolerated and that those who engage in such behavior will face the full force of the law.

As Xuereb begins his prison sentence, one can’t help but wonder what led him to cross the line from upholder of the law to breaker of it. Whatever the reasons, his conviction serves as a stark reminder that no one is above the law, no matter how high their former position or how noble their intentions.

In the words of Commissioner Gafà, “This conviction sends a clear message that the Malta Police Force will not tolerate such behavior, regardless of who the perpetrator is. We will continue to uphold the law and ensure that justice is served.”