Unraveling the Plot: How Daphne Caruana Galizia’s Murder Was Planned
In the heart of Malta, at the Marsa Police Headquarters, a chilling tale of a murder plot unravels. The target? Daphne Caruana Galizia, Malta’s most prominent investigative journalist, known for her relentless pursuit of truth and corruption. Prosecutors have pieced together a complex web of events, revealing how this brutal act was meticulously planned. Let’s look the details, as we navigate the complex case that has shaken Malta’s political scene.
From WhatsApp Messages to Meetings
At the core of the investigation lie incriminating WhatsApp messages exchanged between the alleged masterminds of the plot, Yorgen Fenech and his middleman, Melvin Theuma. These messages, intercepted by the police, reveal a sinister plan unfolding in plain sight. Fenech, a prominent businessman with ties to the highest echelons of power, is alleged to have orchestrated the murder, while Theuma acted as the intermediary, facilitating the payments to the hitmen.
Prosecutors have also revealed that meetings took place at Fenech’s luxury yacht, the ‘Daphne’, moored in the picturesque Marsamxett Harbour. Here, the plot is said to have been discussed and finalized, with the murder weapon, a bomb, reportedly smuggled onto the yacht and later planted under Caruana Galizia’s car.
The Hitmen and the Money Trail
Three men, Alfred Degiorgio, his brother George, and Vincent Muscat, were eventually arrested and charged with carrying out the murder. Prosecutors allege that they were paid €150,000 for the hit, with €50,000 paid upfront and the rest promised upon completion. The money trail leads back to Fenech, with prosecutors claiming that he transferred the funds to Theuma, who then passed it on to the Degiorgios and Muscat.
In a shocking turn of events, Fenech was arrested in November 2019 while attempting to flee Malta on his yacht. He was subsequently charged with complicity in the murder, marking a significant moment in the investigation.
The Political Fallout
The murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia through Malta’s political scene. Her relentless exposés had targeted high-ranking officials, including former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who was forced to resign in the wake of the scandal. The investigation has since revealed alleged links between Fenech and high-ranking officials, including former Chief of Staff Keith Schembri and former Minister Konrad Mizzi, both of whom have since resigned from their posts.
Prosecutors have also revealed that Fenech had offered a €1 million bribe to a former Maltese official, in a bid to secure a government contract. This revelation has further tarnished the reputation of Malta’s political elite and underscored the need for transparency and accountability in the country’s political system.
