Businessman accused of masterminding Caruana Galizia assassination stands trial in Malta

Businessman Yorgen Fenech, a prominent figure in Maltese business circles, has finally stood trial nearly eight years after the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. The trial began in Valletta, the Maltese capital, marking a significant moment in the nation's legal and political landscape. Fenech is accused of masterminding the 2017 car bombing that killed Caruana Galizia, a case that has drawn international attention and sparked widespread calls for accountability.

The murder took place on October 16, 2017, when a remotely detonated bomb exploded beneath the journalist’s car, killing her instantly. Caruana Galizia had been investigating corruption in Maltese politics and business, particularly focusing on a controversial power station project linked to Fenech. She had previously written extensively on issues uncovered in the Panama Papers, highlighting systemic issues within the government and private sector. Her final blog post, published shortly before her death, expressed deep concern about the prevalence of corruption, stating, "There are crooks everywhere you look now. The situation is desperate."

Fenech, the heir to the Tumas Group—a major Maltese conglomerate with interests in energy, gaming, hospitality, and real estate—was arrested in November 2019 aboard his yacht, following an operation by the Maltese armed forces. He was charged with complicity in the murder and with promoting, organizing, or financing a criminal organization. After spending over five years in custody, Fenech was released on bail in early 2025 under strict conditions, including financial guarantees and surveillance measures. His aunt, Moira Fenech, pledged her shares in the Tumas Group as collateral for the bail.

The trial comes after several other individuals have faced conviction in relation to the assassination. Five men have already been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 15 to 40 years for their roles in the attack. A sixth person, Melvin Theuma, a self-confessed intermediary, received a presidential pardon in exchange for his testimony against Fenech and others. Theuma reportedly had a close relationship with Fenech and claimed that the businessman ordered and funded the assassination.

The case has been further complicated by the findings of an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Caruana Galizia’s death. The inquiry, conducted by a panel of former judges, concluded that the Maltese state had created an environment of impunity that allowed her killers to act without fear of severe consequences. The report criticized the government for failing to protect whistleblowers and for allowing corruption to flourish unchecked. The inquiry also pointed to former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his cabinet as potentially responsible for the lack of adequate safeguards.

Fenech has consistently denied the charges against him, asserting that former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s chief of staff, Keith Schembri, was the actual mastermind behind the assassination. However, prosecutors have presented evidence suggesting that Fenech directly approached Melvin Theuma to orchestrate the killing. According to the indictment, Fenech requested that Theuma contact George Degiorgio, one of the hitmen, to carry out the attack. The agreed payment for the killing was 150,000 euros, with a portion paid upfront and the remainder after the execution.

As the trial proceeds, the focus will likely shift to the testimonies of those directly involved in the assassination. Vincent Muscat, one of the perpetrators, has already admitted guilt and is expected to provide crucial insights during the proceedings. The trial is anticipated to last several weeks, with the court imposing restrictions on media coverage to ensure a fair process.

The case has reignited discussions about press freedom, judicial independence, and the need for transparency in Maltese governance. Civil society groups and international observers continue to monitor the trial closely, hoping for a resolution that brings closure to the family of Caruana Galizia and reinforces the rule of law in the country. As the trial unfolds, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the perception of justice in Malta and the broader fight against corruption.