Maltese Public Funds Misused by Former MGA Chief Joseph Cuschieri: A Web of Favoritism and Excess

Taxpayer Money and Self-Promotion

Joseph Cuschieri, the former CEO of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), has come under scrutiny for allegedly mismanaging public funds. During his tenure, Cuschieri reportedly financed a series of global trips and self-promotional campaigns, accompanied by his colleague Edwina Licari. These expenditures were covered by Maltese taxpayers and included payments for features in glossy lifestyle magazines.

One such feature, published in a Maltese magazine operated by Josette Schembri Vella—the wife of Keith Schembri, former chief of staff to the ex-Prime Minister—reportedly cost over €2,200. The magazine belongs to Temple Concierge Limited.

Connections to Alleged Financial Crimes

Josette Schembri Vella, the owner of Temple Concierge Limited and the website www.templemagazines.com, is currently implicated in a “sophisticated money laundering operation”. The company’s financial accounts were handled by Nexia BT, a firm led by Brian Tonna and Karl Cini, both of whom are also facing money laundering charges in Malta.

Despite these concerns, Cuschieri authorized substantial direct payments to Nexia BT from MGA’s funds, bypassing standard procurement procedures.

Evidence of Mismanagement and Cronyism

According to documents obtained and reviewed by Scam-Or Project, Cuschieri allocated these public funds without initiating any formal tender processes. In 2018, he was controversially appointed to head the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).

However, following revelations about a personal trip to Las Vegas with Yorgen Fenech, a businessman suspected of orchestrating the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, Cuschieri was compelled to resign in November 2020.

A Pattern of Lavish Travel and Direct Orders

While at MGA, Cuschieri and Licari reportedly undertook around 38 international “business trips,” including one to South Africa. Legal firm GVZH Advocates also appears to have benefited from direct orders issued by the Authority under Cuschieri’s leadership.

Despite the serious implications, Joseph Cuschieri has not yet been charged in court and is currently operating a private consultancy business.

Source Attribution

This article is based on documents and information originally reported by Scam-Or Project.