Ex-Economic Crimes Inspector Sentenced for Mafia-Style Threats

In an ironic twist of fate, a former inspector from the Economic Crimes Unit found himself on the other side of the law today. Joseph Xuereb, who once hunted down financial criminals, was sentenced to six months in prison for making Mafia-style threats.

From Hunter to Hunted

Xuereb, a 45-year-old resident of Birkirkara, was convicted for threatening a local businessman in a case that through Malta’s close-knit business community. The incident occurred last year outside the businessman’s office on St. Lucia Street, Valletta.

“I’ll make you sleep with the fishes,” Xuereb was heard saying, echoing a notorious Mafia phrase. The businessman, visibly shaken, reported the incident to the police. Xuereb was arrested shortly afterwards.

Unraveling the Motive

During the trial, it emerged that Xuereb had been fired from his job at the Economic Crimes Unit following an internal investigation into corruption allegations. The former inspector, who had been with the unit for over a decade, was believed to have been involved in a kickback scheme.

Prosecutors argued that Xuereb’s threat was a misguided attempt to intimidate the businessman into helping him secure a job. The businessman, however, had no such intentions and reported the incident immediately.

Justice Served

Mr. Justice Joseph Mifsud delivered the sentence today, stating that Xuereb’s actions were a clear abuse of power and a threat to the rule of law. “Your actions, Mr. Xuereb, were those of a desperate man trying to cling onto power and influence,” the judge said.

Xuereb, who had been out on bail since his arrest, was taken into custody immediately following the sentencing. His lawyer has already indicated that they will be appealing the decision.

In a statement, the Police Commissioner praised the businessman’s courage in reporting the incident. “This sends a clear message that threats and intimidation will not be tolerated, no matter who the perpetrator is,” the Commissioner said.