Amidst reports suggesting the involvement of Italian mafia associates in Malta’s gaming sector for illegal online gambling and money laundering, the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has released a statement dispelling any connection between the alleged individuals and the MGA. Investigations by Italian authorities have not established any links between these Italian nationals and the MGA, and it is confirmed that they have no affiliations with the ownership structures of online gambling companies licensed by the MGA.
Absence of Connections to MGA-Licensed Companies:
The MGA explicitly clarifies that none of the suspected Italian mafia members have any role as directors, shareholders, ultimate beneficial owners, or key persons in companies holding MGA licenses. The authority emphasizes its lack of association with these individuals and is actively cooperating with both local and Italian authorities, committed to monitoring any developments in the ongoing investigation.
MGA’s Role in Combating Match-Fixing:
Apart from addressing the alleged mafia involvement, the MGA has been actively participating in initiatives focused on addressing match-fixing facilitated through social media networks. The MGA, alongside the International Olympic Committee and INTERPOL, engaged in a conference organized by the Council of Europe and UEFA. The conference aimed to discuss and devise strategies to combat the misuse of social media platforms in match-fixing.
Milestone Collaboration with Social Media Platforms:
Antonio Abdilla Zerafa, MGA Money Laundering Report Officer and Head of Financial Crime Compliance, highlighted the significance of the conference, emphasizing the inclusion of social media platforms in the discussions. Zerafa views this as a milestone, recognizing the valuable information that social media platforms can contribute to prevent and investigate crimes related to match-fixing. The MGA reaffirms its commitment to assisting law enforcement and sports regulatory bodies in their efforts to combat such illicit activities.
The MGA’s swift response to dispel any connections with the alleged Italian mafia involvement underscores its commitment to transparency and regulatory integrity. As investigations continue, the authority remains vigilant and engaged with both local and international counterparts to ensure the integrity of Malta’s gaming sector. The MGA’s proactive role in addressing match-fixing through social media platforms further solidifies its dedication to fostering fair play and ethical conduct in the gaming industry.