Morning Briefing
Hitman Felt He “Couldn’t Say No” to Chircop Murder Request
Vince Muscat, known as il-Koħħu, testified on Friday that he felt he “could not say no” when Robert and Adrian Agius – known as the Maksar brothers – asked him to help murder lawyer Carmel Chircop in 2015. Muscat is the key witness in the case against the Agius brothers, Jamie Vella, and George Degiorgio, all of whom deny involvement in the murder. Adrian Agius and Vella are also accused of providing the bomb used to assassinate journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017. Muscat claimed the Maksars wanted Chircop dead over an €800,000 debt. He said he received €20,000 for his role but only drove with Vella and Degiorgio during the hit. Vella, he said, fired the shots that killed Chircop as he opened his garage in Birkirkara. They used a stolen car and revolver, later discarded in Marsa. Muscat also said Degiorgio demanded €30,000 after the killing – money he used to buy a boat named Maya, later linked to Caruana Galizia’s murder. (Times of Malta)
Malta could become hub for LNG exports – nominee for US Ambassador
Malta could become a hub for American LNG exports, according to Somers Farkas, the nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Malta. Speaking during a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, Farkas said she would aim to strengthen economic ties between the U.S. and Malta, particularly in trade and energy. A former model and philanthropist, Farkas previously served on President Donald Trump’s Commission on White House Fellowships. (Maltatoday)
Ship register grows by 10% in a year
In 2024, Malta’s Ship Register grew by nearly 10%, reinforcing the country’s strong international standing in the maritime sector. By the first quarter of 2025, the number of registered vessels surpassed 10,000. In a statement on Friday, the Transport Ministry confirmed Malta’s status as the largest maritime registry in Europe and the sixth largest worldwide. It also holds the top global position for superyacht registrations. Starting 1 June 2025, Malta will implement a new system of electronic certificates (e-certificates) for all ships and yachts registered under its flag. This shift will offer shipowners and yacht owners digital certification for their vessels. (The Malta Independent)