Updated 3pm with police reply The car dealers suspected of having tampered with the mileage counts of imported used cars are Rokku and Tal-Qasab auto dealers. Both dealerships were suspended by a sectoral lobby group, the Used Vehicle Importers Association, on Sunday after Malta Today broke reports of the alleged scam.  The suspected scam impacts car sales dating back to 2019 and allegedly saw dealerships register cars imported from Japan with lower mileage counts than they had actually accumulated.  Malta Today reported that Transport Malta has received at least 300 reports of suspicious mileage counts related to the scam. UVIA president Albert Fenech issued a statement on Sunday saying that two car dealers have been suspended in relation to the suspected scam. The statement did not name the dealers responsible.  Times of Malta can confirm that they are Għaxaq-based Rokku Autodealer and Tal-Qasab auto dealer in Santa Venera.  Police investigations 'ongoing' Sources told Times of Malta that the police had not yet spoken to either dealership at the time of writing.  The police force's communications unit declined to provide any detail about their probe. "Police investigations are...

Asian markets were mixed on Monday following a steep drop on Wall Street in response to a forecast-topping US jobs report that gave the Federal Reserve room to continue hiking interest rates as it struggles to contain surging inflation. US traders took flight after the closely watched non-farm payroll figures on Friday, which showed a slowdown in hiring but still with more new posts created than expected.That came as more officials suggested the Federal Reserve could continue lifting borrowing costs sharply as they try to rein in inflation. However, with prices being driven higher by factors ranging from the Ukraine war to China’s lockdown-induced slowdown, there are fears the bank’s measures could deal a blow to the world’s biggest economy. The jump in inflation has forced finance chiefs around the world to tighten monetary policy, with the European Central Bank indicating it will raise rates in July for the first time in more than a decade. “The critical issue for markets is whether inflation can be brought under control by central banks without generating a recession,” Shane Oliver, head of investment strategy and chief economist at AMP Capital, said in a note. “Shares are...

Poland’s Iga Swiatek extended her lead at the top of the WTA rankings released on Monday after her French Open triumph in Paris over American Coco Gauff, who moves closer to the Top 10. The 21-year-old Polish star took the world number one ranking after Australian Ashleigh Barty retired early in April. And after claiming her 35th successive victory in Roland Garros, she now has over 4,300 points advance on new world number two Anett Kontaveit of Estonia.   Continue reading this article on SportsDesk, the sports website of the Times of Malta

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faced a potential rebuke from MEPs Monday after she approved Poland's COVID recovery plan despite concerns over Warsaw's compliance with the rule of law. The commission, the EU's executive arm, last week approved Poland's €35.4-billion stimulus package, which had been held up for more than a year over concerns about judicial independence. A trio of centrist MEPs, including former Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt, said Monday they would draw up a motion of censure. If their letter is backed by 10% of MEPs, the motion would be put to parliament if any recovery cash is sent Warsaw's way before it implements orders from the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ). Parliamentary sources said it will probably get the backing needed from the body's 705 members.  But to pass the motion itself that would target the European Commission, the rebels would need to meet a high bar of a two-thirds majority. "The Polish government must comply fully and permanently with all ECJ rulings and it must acknowledge the primacy of EU law," MEP Sophie in't Veld said in a statement. "As long as these criteria have not been met, the European...

A 33-year-old man resisted arrest and slightly injured four policemen on Sunday after he was netted in connection with a fight in Marsascala last February. The police said the man, a Serbian national, was found following investigations by the Cospicua district police and the Rapid Intervention Unit. The fight took place on February 17 at an establishment in Triq ix-Xatt, Marsascala and left a 29-year-old man from Marsascala grievously injured. The assailant had escaped before law enforcement reached the scene. Following investigations, the police received information on Sunday that the suspect was at an establishment in Triq ix-Xatt, Gżira. The police went on site, but upon seeing officers, the suspect tried to escape, and was aggressive in the process. The police said they are holding the man at the police headquarters in Floriana.

CSB Group’s Corporate Services Company, namely CSB International Limited, has appointed two new directors to its board: Sacha J. Farrugia and Franklin Cachia. As a company service provider authorised by the Malta Financial Services Authority, CSB International Limited is committed to operate in line with Maltese law and regulatory guidelines set by the said authority.  Besides abiding to the relevant obligations, it is in the company’s best interest to ensure a strong corporate governance in order to safeguard its reputation and the brand’s credibility which it has steadily built over the past decades.  With these new appointments CSB International Limited is ensuring that as part of its board it has the right people with the required competencies and ability to give sound advice in any decision-making process.  Strengthening the board with complementing skills and experience will ensure the group has the right foundations required to plan for further growth.  Farrugia joined CSB back in 2009 and currently heads the Corporate Services Unit that assists  clients who have chosen to register their business under the Maltese jurisdiction. He holds a bachelor of commerce (honours)...

The June window for national teams has seen the launch of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications with a couple of Malta-based players in action for their respective countries. Ibrahim Kone, fresh from winning the Maltese title with Hibernians, was in the starting formation for Guinea as they faced African giants Egypt in Cairo. Meanwhile, Mosta goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi played in Congo Republic’s opening qualifier as they fell to a 4-0 defeat to Mali. Continue reading this article and watch all highlights on Sports Desk. 

Golden State coach Steve Kerr saluted the “breathtaking” contribution of Stephen Curry after the Warriors star inspired a series-levelling victory over Boston in the NBA Finals on Sunday. Curry led the scoring for the Warriors with 29 points in a 107-88 blowout that tied the best-of-seven series at 1-1. The 34-year-old two-time NBA MVP was at his majestic best in a third quarter that effectively decided the game as the Warriors outscored Boston 35-14.   Continue reading this article on SportsDesk, the sports website of the Times of Malta

The fourth edition of  Saving Our Blue marine protection campaign has been launched. The campaign is aimed to raise awareness against marine pollution and support the importance of sustainable decisions to further reduce the use of single-use plastic,  It targets the public through various initiatives, including an educational campaign on the harm waste can pose to marine life. The campaign’s mascot is Maggie the sea turtle. She will raise awareness through a series of episodes about her adventures. Several beach clean-ups will be organised together with other dive clean-ups around beaches in Malta and Gozo with the participation of government entities, voluntary organisations and private companies. Environment Minister Miriam Dalli urged the public to do their part by opting for alternative products and participating in the clean-ups.  Statistics show that the most common waste items collected in local beach clean-ups are cigarette butts, plastic bottles, spoons, straws, bottle caps and cups. Those interested in taking part should contact Saving our Blue on social media platforms for more information. 

Reports of a used car racket impacting hundreds of Japan-imported cars have left thousands of car owners wondering: have I been scammed?  At least two used car dealers, Rokku auto dealer and Tal-Qasab autodealer, are under investigation for their suspected part in the scam. Both have been suspended by a sectoral lobby group, the Used Vehicles Importers Association. It remains unclear whether cars sold by other dealerships have also been reported for similar discrepancies. How to check if your mileage is genuine Thousands of used cars are imported from Japan by local car dealers each year, and dealerships selling such vehicles can be found all over the island - and Facebook feeds.     Those cars are sold through auctions in Japan, and then shipped to Malta by sea freight. But before they are shipped, cars undergo a technical inspection in Japan by a company called Jevic Co. Ltd. As part of those inspections, Jevic engineers list the mileage of cars being exported. And those results are publicly searchable.        If you have bought an imported Japanese vehicle in the past years, here is how you can check whether its odometer was tampered with: Find your car’s logbook and note...

It was a damp, mundane and gloomy day in Malta when I overheard an acquaintance recalling his dreaded predicament of being stranded in Guatemala, while doing voluntary work, when the border was unprecedentedly closed due to the pandemic outbreak. In a foreign country at the time, and desperately hankering the need for a new experience, I took the leap of faith and contacted Dun Anton Grech, a Gozitan priest and founder of the GuateMalta Foundation. Despite having never heard or met Dun Anton, he welcomed the opportunity with open arms. As fast as greased lightning, I booked my flight, packed my bags, and set for pastures new. At the time of writing, I find myself just short of a month’s stay in a spacious, clean and comfortable room in Casa Isabel, run by GuateMalta in Puerto Barrios, a port city on the Atlantic coast of Guatemala. Casa Isabel is a women’s shelter, administered by Dun Anton and his colleagues, for victims of domestic violence. The shelter also provides vital medical services, including ultrasounds, psychological counselling and pharmaceutical supplies. Francesco Fenech with young members of the community in Guatemala. Over the past 12 years, GuateMalta has...

‘Living Paper Cartoon’ Ennio Marchetto is soon set to perform at the Manoel Theatre for one night only in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation. Laura Bonnici speaks with the event’s host, PRINCE AUGUSTO RUFFO DI CALABRIA, Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Malta, to find out more. On June 18, an audience will experience the hilarity of world-famous comedic quick-change impersonator Ennio Marchetto in a one-off performance at the Manoel Theatre. Known as ‘the Living Paper Cartoon’, multi-award-winning original quick-change artist Marchetto has charmed audiences worldwide for decades, performing for royalty, in various prestigious festivals and even as part of Elton John’s renowned White Tie and Tiara Ball. In Malta, his performance will support a local cause. Indeed, presented by Prince Augusto Ruffo di Calabria, Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Malta, under the patronage of the President of Malta and Mrs Vella, the event’s proceeds will go towards the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation. Prince Augusto Ruffo di Calabria, Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Malta. “I was captivated by Marchetto at one of his performances and thought...

The jailed brother of Algeria's late president Abdelaziz Bouteflika received an eight-year prison sentence on Monday for corruption, local media reported. Said Bouteflika's co-defendant, construction tycoon Ali Haddad who is also already in prison on other charges, was sentenced to four years, and both received fines. They had been charged with influence peddling, abuse of office, money laundering and failing to declare assets. In October, both men had been sentenced to two years in prison for obstruction of justice, but Bouteflika was exonerated in that case by an appeals court in May. Sentences issued by Algerian courts are not added up, with only the longest sentence actually served. Said Bouteflika, 64, was long seen as the real power behind his ailing brother, whose bid for a fifth term in office sparked mass protests in 2019 that eventually forced him to resign. Abdelaziz Bouteflika's fall was followed by a string of prosecutions against senior members of his inner circle. His brother was arrested in May 2019 and sentenced to 15 years for "plotting against the state and the army" in the days before the former president's resignation. Early last year, he was acquitted of...

A 33-year-old man resisted arrest and slightly injured four policemen on Sunday after he was netted in connection with a fight in Marsascala last February. The police said the man, a Serbian national, was found following investigations by the Cospicua district police and the Rapid Intervention Unit. The fight took place on February 17 at an establishment in Triq ix-Xatt, Marsascala and left a 29-year-old man from Marsascala grievously injured. Sunbathers caught the arrest on camera The assailant had escaped before law enforcement reached the scene. Following investigations, the police received information on Sunday that the suspect was at an establishment in Triq ix-Xatt, Gżira. The police went on site, but upon seeing officers, the suspect, wearing swimwear by a pool, tried to escape, and was aggressive in the process. Other sunbathers caught the arrest on camera, with various videos shared widely on social media.  The police said they are holding the man at the police headquarters in Floriana.

A festival to mark Refugee Week is taking place for the first time in Malta from June 20 to 26. The festival will host a series of events centred on the theme of healing: recognising the human’s ability to start again.  Refugee Week Malta is a grassroots festival produced by Dance Beyond Borders, a duo collective led by Julienne Schembri and Deborah Falzon aimed at creating, facilitating and producing dance opportunities for people to embrace their diverse stories and unite through dance and the arts. Refugee Week Malta's programme of events. Photo: Facebook.com/refugeeweekmalta Refugee Week is a growing global movement whose purpose is to amplify voices and celebrate the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees through the arts, community and cultural activity. ‘Finding my Place’ – an Exhibition curated by Katel Delia in collaboration with people from the refugee community. "The festival aims to create spaces for people to connect beyond labels and inspire a culture of care and empathy among people seeking sanctuary who live in Malta and Gozo," say the organisers. "Forming part of a global movement, this festival was designed to share the contributions, creativity...

Maltese investors prefer property and retirement planning rather than holding equities, according to the sixth Investment Sentiment Index, which was presented by BOV Asset Management at a business breakfast last week. Simon Azzopardi, chief wealth management officer at BOV, said in his introductory speech that “the index, now in its sixth year, gives us a better view of what are the main preferences of the local investors, making it easier to tailor-make investment products based on the needs of investors”. Thanking Misco International for the research they conducted, Azzopardi added that “we are committed to conduct this research on an annual basis, thereby enabling all key players to keep abreast of investor sentiment and take action as necessary”. Mark Vella, head business development and support wealth management, gave an overview of the research, which is based on the feedback of over 600 investors from across Malta and Gozo. A quarter of the sample constituted of 18- to 34-year-olds, 34 per cent aged between 35 and 55, and the remaining 41 per cent were investors aged 56 years and older. The sentiment index remains consistent with previous results, namely that Maltese...

Veteran midfielder James Milner has signed a new one-year contract with Liverpool, the Premier League club announced on Monday. Since arriving on a free transfer in 2015, Milner has helped Jurgen Klopp’s team win six major honours, including the Champions League and Premier League.  Liverpool were chasing an unprecedented quadruple in the 2021/22 season after winning both domestic cups but finished a point behind Premier League champions Manchester City and lost the Champions League final against Real Madrid. Milner, whose contract was due to expire later this month, has played 289 games and scored 26 goals since arriving at Anfield from Manchester City.   Continue reading this article on SportsDesk, the sports website of the Times of Malta

A WhatsApp chat between former MGA official Jason Farrugia and gaming consultant Iosif Galea hinted that someone “within the police corps” had been tipped to make sure that no steps would be taken should investigators sniff out the alleged data breach at the authority. This was one of the snippets of information divulged in court on Monday when proceedings continued against former chief technical officer Jason Farrugia and his wife Christine who stand accused of money laundering. Farrugia is facing separate charges for allegedly leaking confidential information to former authority official Galea, extortion, accepting bribes, fraud, misappropriation, trading in influence and computer misuse. Last week, the court heard one of the prosecuting officers testify that Galea had allegedly wired Farrugia some €130,000 and had issued a number of cheques in favour of both Farrugia and his wife, bringing up the total to around €170,000. Farrugia’s wife subsequently told police that she had no idea of those money transactions and did not even know Galea. The suspected data breach first came to light in November following a story published by The Shift News about direct orders at the MGA,...

A new museum opening in a former metalworking factory in Warsaw brings together 1,600 exhibits linked to Apple - the result of years of painstaking efforts by a determined Polish collector. "It is the biggest and most complete Apple collection in the world," boasted Jacek Lupina, a 56-year-old architect, who amassed the collection spanning the entire history of the US tech giant. The museum is housed in Fabryka Norblina, a red-brick factory from the early 19th century in central Warsaw which has been turned into a retail and entertainment space. Video: AFP At the entrance is a replica of the Apple 1, released in 1976, was the first personal computer sold by the founders of the company, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Two hundred models of the Apple 1 were produced and sold at the time for $666.66 (€620) each. "My aim is for visitors to be able to see what the beginning was like - how primitive and very simple it was. The case for the Apple 1 was made of wood! Nothing like what we have today," Lupina said. The collector used components from the time to assemble the model and the motherboard was signed by Wozniak himself during a visit to Poland in 2018. "He scrutinised all the...

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri has categorically denied getting a call from former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat informing him of Iosif Galea’s arrest in Italy last month. Galea was arrested while on a group holiday together with Joseph Muscat and his wife, amongst others. He had been allowed to leave the country despite being the subject of a European Arrest Warrant issued by Germany. Malta's police force was aware of that EAW but did nothing about it for a year, Times of Malta reported on Sunday. Speaking during parliament's plenary session on Monday, PN MP Karol Aquilina asked minister Camilleri whether he had received a call from Joseph Muscat informing him of Galea’s arrest when it happened.   The minister categorically denied that. Camilleri is known to have a close relationship with Joseph Muscat, with the two travelling together to watch football in Milan in the past. Aquilina links minister's chief of staff to Muscat Aquilina had initially asked the minister whether he had discussed Iosif Galea with his chief of staff, who he said had a link to the Muscat family. Camilleri's chief of staff is Joseph Vella.   “Given that the father of your chief of staff is...