25 March 2026
Rape suspect back in court eight years after absconding
A 35-year-old Pakistani national accused of raping a 15-year-old girl eight years ago has reappeared in Malta after being extradited from Italy. Mazhar Mushtaq allegedly used fake social media accounts to coerce the teenager into sexual contact by threatening to release intimate photographs. He now faces multiple charges and strict bail conditions.
€1.3 Million Lifeline for Baħrija: Historic Village Square Set for Major Overhaul
A €1.3 million regeneration project will transform Baħrija square into a modern community hub featuring new parking, landscaping, architectural lighting, and improved infrastructure around the parish church. Work is set to begin in the coming weeks on the 2,400-square-metre project, which will create a pedestrian square for the rural village in Rabat.
APS Bank Team Shapes Industry Conversation Across Finance, Property, and Compliance
APS Bank representatives participated in three major industry conferences in early March 2026, contributing expert insights on property investment financing, workplace wellbeing, cybersecurity resilience, and anti-money laundering compliance. The bank's engagement reflects its role as a thought leader in Malta's financial sector.
APS Bank brings expertise to the table as industry discussions heat up
APS Bank representatives shared their expertise across several key industry discussions in early March, covering property investment financing, workplace wellbeing, cybersecurity challenges, and financial crime compliance. The bank's involvement demonstrates its active engagement with Malta's professional community on matters ranging from practical banking advice to emerging regulatory requirements.
Mapfre Msv Life Declares 2.35% Bonus for 2025
Mapfre Msv Life has declared a 2.35% regular bonus on its With‑Profits products for 2025, showcasing the Fund's resilience and disciplined investment approach. The product remains well-positioned to deliver stable returns and capital protection despite ongoing market volatility.
BOV Commits to Quarterly Updates on Credit Portfolio Base Rates
Bank of Valletta will begin issuing quarterly announcements on its credit portfolio base rates, reflecting enhanced transparency and governance improvements. The Bank has decided to maintain all base rates unchanged through June 2026, with the Business and Home Loans rates at 2.15% and Personal Loans rate at 2.45% per annum.
MADC Brings Edinburgh Fringe Hit 'Suspicious Minds' to Malta This April
The Malta Amateur Dramatic Club opens bookings for 'Suspicious Minds', an innovative radio-theatre production about a couple's time-travel holiday romance. The Edinburgh Fringe hit runs across two weekends in April at the MADC Playhouse, with tickets now available.
Father Drugged Children Before Alleged White Rocks Attack
A 49-year-old father spiked his two children's food with sleeping pills at McDonald's before allegedly attacking them at an abandoned White Rocks building in Pembroke. The 12-year-old boy was found semi-conscious with head injuries, while his 10-year-old sister escaped and flagged down a motorist. The man, charged with attempted murder, remains in custody as the hearing continues.
Father Drugged Children Before Alleged White Rocks Attack
A 49-year-old Pembroke man has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of his two children after allegedly spiking their food with sleeping pills at McDonald's before an attack at the abandoned White Rocks complex. The girl escaped and alerted police; her brother was found semi-conscious with multiple head injuries. The boy remains hospitalised but stable.
MAPFRE Malta Takes Top Spot in MAPFRE Group's Challenger Countries Rankings
MAPFRE Malta has been ranked first among MAPFRE Group's Challenger Countries in 2025, recognised for outstanding performance across growth, profitability, efficiency and operational discipline. The achievement reflects years of consistent results and a strategic focus on sustainable growth, with company leadership receiving formal recognition from MAPFRE Group Chairman Antonio Huertas.
MAPFRE Malta Takes Top Spot Among Group's Challenger Countries
MAPFRE Malta has been crowned the top-ranked country in the Challenger Countries category of the MAPFRE Group for 2025. The recognition is based on comprehensive performance indicators covering growth, profitability, efficiency and operational discipline, reflecting years of consistent results and a strategy focused on sustainable growth.
Malta's Wastewater Treatment Crisis: The Island Slips to Lowest in EU
Malta now ranks lowest in the EU for secondary wastewater treatment, with only 7.1% of the population connected to such systems, compared to an 80.7% EU average. Opposition claims the island has suffered a dramatic decline from achieving near-100% connection rates in 2011. The figures highlight years of alleged underinvestment in environmental infrastructure.
'Negotiating with yourselves?' Iran delivers stinging rebuke to US peace claims
Iran's military has mocked US claims of ongoing peace negotiations, with a senior Iranian official asking if America is "negotiating with yourselves." While the Trump administration says it's actively engaged in talks with Tehran, Iran flatly denies any direct or indirect negotiations are taking place, creating a stark credibility gap.
'Negotiating with yourselves?' Iran delivers stinging rebuke to US peace talks claims
Iran's military has mocked US claims of ongoing peace negotiations, with the military asking whether Washington was "negotiating with yourselves." While Trump administration officials claim active talks are underway, Iran's government flatly denies any meaningful engagement, signalling instead that military leadership will control any diplomatic outcomes.
ASA launches formal probe into national water polo players over gambling allegations
The Aquatic Sports Association has launched a formal investigation into national water polo players over gambling allegations, following access to a Malta Gaming Authority report. The probe involves 13 players and a coach allegedly linked to betting during European Championships. The ASA says preliminary findings do not suggest match-fixing, though regulatory breaches have been confirmed.
ASA Launches Investigation Into National Water Polo Players Over Gambling Allegations
The Aquatic Sports Association has launched a formal investigation into national water polo players accused of illegal betting during the European Championships. With newly secured access to a Malta Gaming Authority report, the ASA can now move forward with disciplinary proceedings that were previously blocked. While no match-fixing has been suggested, the individuals could face suspensions of up to four years if found guilty.
Nurses 'dragged to court' while doctors 'shielded,' MUMN claims
The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses has accused Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela of double standards, claiming nurses are being taken to court over leave disputes while doctors who cancel operations for holidays face no legal action. The union plans to present evidence showing elective lists were cancelled during festive periods to accommodate doctors' vacation leave. The case also highlights wider healthcare system concerns including bed shortages and misuse of recovery facilities for acute patients.
Nurses 'dragged to court' over leave while doctors 'shielded', MUMN claims
The Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses accuses Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela of double standards, claiming nurses are being taken to court over leave disputes while doctors who cancel operations for holidays face no action. The union plans to present evidence that elective lists were cancelled to accommodate doctors' vacations, arguing the system treats nursing staff inequitably. The case also highlights broader concerns about bed shortages, closed facilities, and patient safety issues across Malta's health service.
Man Jailed Two Years Over Father's Day Crash That Injured Infant Son
A 37-year-old unlicensed driver has been sentenced to two years in jail after crashing his SUV on Father's Day 2020, leaving his 21-month-old son with grievous injuries. Marlon Zarb claimed he fainted due to low blood sugar, but the magistrate rejected his defence and found him guilty on five charges, including driving negligently and breaching a suspended sentence.
Father Jailed for Two Years After Father's Day Crash That Injured Infant Son
A Luqa man has been handed a two-year jail sentence after causing a crash on Father's Day 2020 that seriously injured his 21-month-old son. Marlon Zarb was driving without a licence when he lost control of his SUV and struck a barrier. The magistrate rejected his claim that he had fainted due to low blood sugar.