This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from one of Transparency International’s national chapters. The Anti-Corruption Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International and funded by the European Union.
Query
Can you please provide an overview of corruption and anti-corruption efforts in Malta, with a particular focus on money laundering and details of any investigations related to the Panama Papers?
Content
- Overview of Corruption in Malta
- Sectors Affected by Corruption
- Legal and Institutional Framework
- References
Summary
Malta’s strategic geo-political location, along with its stable economy and skilled workforce has enabled it to establish itself as a successful financial centre. However, patronage and clientelism in the form of 'korruzjoni' and 'klientelizmu' persist. Despite having substantial legal mechanisms in place, Malta has been rocked with a number of corruption scandals in the recent years, which has “tarnished” its incumbent presidency of the Council of Europe.
Notable integrity challenges include procurement irregularities, unresolved conflicts of interest among serving government ministers, and the revolving door between the island state’s close-knit political and business class. Malta is also the only country in the European Union to have an incumbent minister named in the Panama Papers revelations in 2016.
Authors
Kaunain Rahman Transparency International,
[email protected]
Reviewers
Matthew Jenkins, Transparency International
Date
28/02/2017
