Malta News Briefing
Parliament fails to agree on Chief Justice
A government motion to appoint Judge Consuelo Scerri Herrera as chief justice failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in parliament on Wednesday, with 39 votes in favour and 34 against. The last-minute debate and vote followed a public appeal by President Myriam Spiteri Debono and had a crucial procedural impact. Although the motion was defeated, the vote allows incumbent Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti to remain in office until a successor is agreed. Chetcuti, who turned 68 on Wednesday, was otherwise due to retire on Thursday. Earlier, the Speaker had ruled that a vote on a replacement had to be taken before the chief justice’s retirement age for him to stay on provisionally and avoid the post being vacated. The government announced Scerri Herrera’s nomination last week, while Opposition leader Alex Borg proposed four alternative candidates. Prime Minister Robert Abela told parliament Borg had initially also suggested Scerri Herrera for the role. (Times of Malta)
Woman remanded in custody over €1 million online bank scam
A 25-year-old woman from St Paul’s Bay has been remanded in custody after pleading not guilty to defrauding around 200 people by allegedly posing as a bank in an online scam that investigators say spans several countries. Tammy Caruana, who told the court she is unemployed, was charged following an extensive probe led by the Malta Police Force’s Financial Crimes Investigations Department, working with Europol and authorities in Ireland and the UK. Police believe Caruana operated as part of an international criminal network and identified her as the main local suspect. Investigators estimate victims collectively lost around €1 million. About €8,000 in cash was seized during searches in Paola, while electronic devices were confiscated from a separate property in Qrendi. The court ordered the seizure and freezing of Caruana’s assets as investigations continue. (Maltatoday)
Survey shows children face widespread online risks but remain silent
More than half of Maltese schoolchildren have received unwanted or inappropriate messages online, yet the majority do not report abuse, according to a national survey highlighting growing risks in digital spaces. The study found that 51 per cent of students aged seven to 16 encountered harmful online behaviour, including bullying, sexting and requests for intimate images. Despite high awareness levels, with 87.3 per cent of respondents saying they are familiar with the concept of online abuse, only 41.4 per cent of those affected sought help. The findings suggest awareness alone is not translating into effective protection or reporting. Conducted in 2025 among 395 students across state, church and independent schools, the survey was commissioned by the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society. Its release coincides with a government consultation on a Green Paper aimed at strengthening safeguards for children and vulnerable users online. (The Malta Independent)
