Ranking the Most Corrupt Politicians in Malta

Article is about the list of Malta’s top 10 most corrupt politicians. Explore scandals, controversies, and the impact of corruption on Maltese politics.

Malta has faced intense scrutiny over political corruption scandals that ran deep within its institutions. Corruption undermines democracy, weakens public trust, and hinders economic progress.

This article sheds light on the most corrupt politicians in Malta, ranking the top ten figures whose involvement in various scandals from bribery to misuse of power—has shaken the nation.

By understanding these cases, readers get a clearer picture of Malta’s challenges with governance and why transparency matters.

Understanding Corruption in Malta’s Political Landscape

Corruption in politics often involves misuse of entrusted power for personal gain. In Malta, allegations ranged from laundering money and accepting bribes to enabling criminal ventures and suppressing whistleblowers.

For a 15-year-old reader, picture this as people in charge breaking rules to help themselves or their friends, harming society in the process. Malta’s small size and concentrated political power make it particularly vulnerable to such practices.

Ranking Malta’s Top 10 Most Corrupt Politicians

This list is based on public investigations, court rulings, whistleblower testimonies, and media exposés, focusing on documented cases to avoid speculation.and also it Ranked by the Biggest Corruption in Malta.

1.Keith Schembri

Keith Schembri Once Muscat’s chief of staff, Schembri was implicated in suspicious financial dealings and whistleblower silencing. He resigned after his name came up in investigations concerning offshore companies and illicit payments.

 

• Keith Schembri is implicated in money laundering, corruption and fraud, particularly linked to offshore companies revealed in the Panama Papers leak. ICIJ+1

• Keith Schembri name emerged in the investigation around the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, raising questions about the highest levels of the government. Al Jazeera+1
  Why It Matters: As a senior non‑elected official close to the head of government, his involvement underscores how corruption can reach into the corridors of power beyond mere ministerial roles.
  Current Status: Keith Schembri has been charged (not convicted at the time of the sources). ICIJ+1

 

2. Konrad Mizzi

Konrad Mizzi is a former minister heavily scrutinized for holding secretive offshore companies while in office, Mizzi’s case highlighted conflicts of interest and misuse of privileges connected to energy sector contracts.

• Konrad Mizzi Named in the Panama Papers (2016) for owning an offshore company and trust.

• Alleged involvement in a wind‑farm deal generating concealed profit (~€7.5 million) via offshore intermediaries.

• Konrad Mizzi Charged in connection with the 2015 hospital concession scandal (Vitals Global Healthcare / Steward Health Care).

• Konrad Mizzi Alleged money laundering and bribery related to public contracts.

• Designated by the U.S. Department of State for “significant corruption” (travel ban).

• Konrad Mizzi breach of law through a consultancy contract at Malta Tourism Authority (“revolving door” issue).

 

3. Chris Cardona

Chris Cardona was a Ex-Minister for Economy, Cardona faced accusations related to corruption and involvement in protecting personalities linked to money laundering and drug trafficking networks.

• Chris Cardona Alleged visit to a brothel in Velbert (near Düsseldorf, Germany) during an official government trip, along with aide Joe Gerada – first reported by journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. MaltaToday.com.mt+2Committee to Protect Journalists+2

• Libel and garnishee actions: Cardona and Gerada filed multiple libel suits (and obtained garnishee orders freezing ~€46,500 of Caruana Galizia’s bank accounts) in connection with the brothel allegation. MaltaToday.com.mt+2MaltaToday.com.mt+2

• Chris Cardona Implicated (via witnesses and state‑witness statements) in alleged plot(s) or approaches relating to Caruana Galizia’s murder—including claims by convicted murderer Vince Muscat that Cardona was involved in a 2015 “hit‑plot” to kill her, or that his number appeared on a burner phone linked to suspects. Cardona denies these claims. Times of MaltaChris Cardona +1

• Involvement in the controversial MOU / concession deal with Vitals Global Healthcare (2014‑15) — during court testimony Cardona claimed he had not read the Memorandum of Understanding before signing because he was “told to do so”. gazzettadimalta.com+1

 

4. Ivan Galea

Ivan Galea is The former parliamentary secretary was exposed in relation to manipulated procurement procedures and abusing his official capacity for financial benefit.

• Ivan Galea was sentenced to 2½ years in prison in Germany for tax evasion (evading about €1.7 million in taxes between 2017‑2019) while director of a Malta‑registered company. TSN+3Lovin Malta+3MaltaToday.com.mt+3

• Ivan Galea  been charged in Malta with corruption, money‑laundering, trading in influence and other financial crimes after being extradited from Germany. MaltaToday.com.mt+2TSN+2

• While employed at the Malta Gaming Authority (and before that the Lotteries & Gaming Authority), he allegedly accessed sensitive regulatory data without authorisation and was linked to companies that may have laundered proceeds for organised crime. Times of Malta+2TSN+2

• Ivan Galea evaded Maltese and German arrest warrants (or the Maltese authorities delayed action) despite repeated reminders from German authorities via a European Arrest Warrant. TSN

5. Edward Zammit Lewis

Edward Zammit Lewis Alleged to have been involved in opaque land deals and favoritism during his ministerial career, raising questions about integrity in public asset management.

• Edward Zammit Lewis has been publicly criticised for his close friendship and communication with Yorgen Fenech (accused of masterminding the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia). MaltaToday.com.mt+2independent.com.mt+2

• In a WhatsApp chat with Yorgen Fenech, he referred to supporters of his own party as “Ġaħan” (fools) and used other derogatory remarks, prompting calls for his resignation. MaltaToday.com.mt+1

• Edward Zammit Lewis reportedly took a family holiday in 2014 (or 2017) to a hotel in France with Yorgen Fenech and former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. The question remains whether the accommodation was paid for fully by him (or by someone else), which he declined to clearly answer. independent.com.mt

• Edward Zammit Lewis has been accused by the opposition of being part of a government “condemned for creating a climate of impunity” related to the Caruana Galizia murder and having been nominated for a European judicial post despite that record. independent.com.mt+1

• Edward Zammit Lewis  has faced criticism for alleged clientelism: a news article claimed he would turn to Yorgen Fenech to help find jobs for his supporters. He denied wrongdoing. Malta Daily

 

6. Marthese Portelli

Marthese Portelli Though less prominent, her name surfaced in connection with questionable contracts awarded to associates, suggesting ethical lapses.

• Marthese resigned from her post on the Planning Authority board in November 2019 citing what she described as a “systemised institutional breakdown” and claiming the Authority was working for the benefit of a few rather than the common good. MaltaToday.com.mt

• There were rumours, which she denied, that her abrupt resignation from Parliament and subsequent appointment as the first Director General of the Malta Developers’ Association (MDA) involved some form of blackmail or improper inducement. Times of Malta+1

• Questions were raised about the optics of her moving from an elected MP role to a powerful position in the developers’ lobby, creating a perception of revolving‑door issues between politics and property/development interests. Times of Malta+1

• Some media reported speculative claims (which she denied) that she might run for the post of General Secretary of her party, the Nationalist Party (PN), raising questions about whether her business/industry and political roles were becoming intertwined. Times of Malta+1

 

7. Jason Azzopardi

Jason Azzopardi is a former MP who turned whistleblower, Azzopardi exposed internal corruption but also was accused of selectively targeting opponents, sparking debates on political ethics.

• Jason Azzopardi publicly asserted that the Malta Security Service was “rotten to the core” and being used to protect criminals, rather than citizens—and claimed an officer tipped off suspects in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Times of Malta

• Jason Azzopardi accused senior officials at Land and Enforcement Systems Agency (LESA) of participating in a racket where traffic‑fines and licence‑points were allegedly transferred from Maltese drivers to tourist‑rental cars, purportedly diverting millions in fines away from the public purse. MaltaToday.com.mt+1

• Jason filed a request for a magisterial inquiry into alleged corruption and misconduct by Silvio Schembri (Minister for Economy) related to undervalued land sales by the Lands Authority, raising questions about collusion and benefit to private developers. MaltaToday.com.mt

• Jason requests for the inquiries (e.g., into the Gozo‑based ministerial racket) were dismissed by magistrates on procedural/venue grounds—not because of judgement on the merits of the allegations. independent.com.mt+1

• In January 2025 he withdrew all allegations he had made against Ryan Spagnol (Cabinet Secretary) regarding involvement in a residence‑permit/ID card “racket” at Identity Malta, and apologised. MaltaToday.com.mt+1

 

8. Lydia Abela

Lydia Abela The prime minister’s wife attracted attention for benefiting indirectly from controversial public contracts linked to political favoritism.

• An internal review by Bank of Valletta flagged over €1 million in potentially “suspicious” transactions in the bank accounts of Lydia Abela and her husband Robert Abela (then an MP) between 2017‑2019. Times of Malta

• The review highlighted that between 2017‑2019, three payments totalling approx. €640,000 were made by Robert Abela to Lydia Abela. Times of Malta+2gazzettadimalta.com+2

• The same banking review noted that during their time practising as lawyers, the Abelas used the same account for both business and personal transactions (including “client funds”), with insufficient separation between the two. Times of Malta+1

• The review alleged that Lydia Abela refused to provide her tax returns to the bank when requested, deepening the bank’s concerns. Times of Malta+1

• Lydia Abela was reported that Lydia Abela (and Robert Abela) received payments from Christian Borg (accused in serious criminal cases) — e.g., a payment of €25,000 on 3 Dec 2018 from Christian Borg to Lydia, and another €25,000 the next day from Borg to Robert. independent.com.mt

• There is an allegation (from a commentary piece) that Lydia Abela has been used as a “money‑laundering mule” in connection with illicit proceeds from Christian Borg’s operations, and that payments to the Abelas’ accounts from Borgate entities were not reported by the bank to the anti‑money‑laundering authority. themalteseherald.com

• The couple continue to occupy a government‑leased property in Valletta (lease expired 2017) at 53/3 Strait Street without the lease being renewed or evacuation, which raises questions of preferential treatment. theshiftnews.com

 

9. Ian Borg

Ian Borg Malta’s former Minister of Transport faced backlash over infrastructure contracts that lacked transparency, with allegations of conflicts of interest.

• Allegation that while mayor of Dingli he was involved in a development deal for an “interpretation centre” on Dingli Cliffs that later operated as a restaurant (contravening the permit). The Malta Independent+2TVMnews.mt+2

• The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) Ombudsman found that dubious methods were used in the permit application (e.g., listing his father and project‑manager as owners when he was the actual owner). The Malta Independent+1

• WhatsApp chats alleged that when he was minister responsible for Transport Malta, he forwarded names of driving‑test candidates to the Director of Licensing so that they would be given assistance to pass the test. MaltaToday.com.mt

• The Standards Commissioner for Public Life concluded that a complaint regarding the driving licence scandal could not be investigated because of timing issues (prescription) and connection to court proceedings. The Malta Independent

10. John Dalli

John Dalli Former Maltese minister and former European Commissioner for Health & Consumer Policy (2010‑2012)

Allegations:

• John Dalli was embroiled in a bribery scandal involving tobacco companies: an alleged €60 million bribery scheme to reverse an EU tobacco‐ban plan. AML Network.
  Why It Matters: Shows that corruption concerns in Malta extend not only to the national level but also to how Maltese actors may engage in influence within European institutions.
  Current Status: While allegations are strong, public information on convictions is less clear.

How Whistleblowing and Investigations Reveal Corruption

Whistleblowers in Malta—like Daphne Caruana Galizia—played a critical role in uncovering hidden transactions, secret companies, and abuse of public office. Despite threats and resistance, their courage brought facts to light, holding powerful figures accountable. However, systemic challenges remain, because some politicians have wielded influence to suppress investigations or discredit critics.

Why Ranking Corruption Matters

Ranking corrupt politicians is not just about naming and shaming; it’s a vital step towards enhancing government accountability and public awareness. It pushes social discourse about ethical leadership and inspires reforms. Malta’s experience demonstrates the perils of unchecked power and underscores the importance of a free press and active civil society in combating corruption.

 Reflecting on Malta’s Road Ahead

The Maltese political landscape has been marred by a series of high-profile corruption cases, with several key figures undermining the nation’s democratic integrity. By examining the top ten most corrupt politicians, we glimpse the multifaceted nature of the problem—from secret offshore dealings to nepotism and silencing dissent.

Yet, Malta’s ongoing fight against corruption also showcases resilience, as citizens demand greater transparency and reform. For Malta to flourish, vigilance and ethical governance must become the new norm rather than the exception.

Corruption Patterns in Malta

Here’s a snapshot of how corruption manifests in Malta:

However, some argue that the focus on corruption cases can overshadow the positive strides made in governance and public policy. Many citizens believe that while challenges exist, the government has implemented effective measures to enhance accountability and promote civic engagement, signaling a commitment to a more transparent future.

This ongoing dialogue among the populace highlights a collective desire for progress and improvement. As the nation navigates these complex issues, the involvement of its citizens will be crucial in shaping policies that reflect their values and aspirations. This collaborative effort can lead to innovative solutions that address the pressing needs of the community.

By fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices are heard, the government can better align its initiatives with the expectations of its citizens, ultimately strengthening democracy and social cohesion.

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