Yorgen Fenech Linked to 17 Black in 2018: Court Hears of Intelligence Report

In the heart of Valletta, at the Criminal Court, a revelation echoed through the stone walls today. The court heard that businessman Yorgen Fenech was flagged as the owner of 17 Black as early as 2018 in an intelligence report. This new twist in the ongoing investigation into the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia adds another layer to the complex web of allegations surrounding Fenech and his business dealings.

From Intelligence Report to Courtroom

Testifying today was a senior official from the Maltese security services. The official revealed that an intelligence report from 2018 identified Fenech as the beneficial owner of 17 Black, a company at the center of the Egrant scandal that had been linked to Fenech’s business partner, Nexia BT. The report, according to the official, was based on information from a reliable source.

The revelation comes as Fenech, who has been charged with complicity in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, is facing a complex web of allegations related to his business dealings. Fenech has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges.

17 Black: A Company in the Spotlight

17 Black has been a company of interest since it was first linked to the Panama Papers leak in 2016. The company, registered in Dubai, was listed as a shareholder in Egrant, a company that was allegedly beneficially owned by Michelle Muscat, the wife of former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. Both Fenech and Nexia BT have been accused of setting up secret companies and trusts for the Muscat family.

Today’s revelation in court sheds new light on the ownership of 17 Black, which has been a subject of much speculation and investigation. While Fenech has been named as the beneficial owner in the intelligence report, his lawyers have argued that he was not the ultimate beneficial owner of the company.

: The Trial Continues

The trial of Yorgen Fenech continues, with the court expected to hear more evidence related to the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. The journalist, who was a vocal critic of government corruption, was killed by a car bomb in October 2017. Her murder sparked international outrage and led to widespread calls for justice.

As the trial progresses, the Maltese public awaits further developments in the case. The revelation of the 2018 intelligence report adds another dimension to the ongoing investigation, highlighting the complex nature of the allegations against Fenech and the need for a thorough and transparent legal process.

“The truth will set us free,” said Daphne’s son, Andrew, outside the court today. “We will continue to fight for justice until we have the whole truth and nothing but the truth.”