Daphne Caruana Galizia was investigating suspected corruption by businessman Yorgen Fenech and members of Malta's government when she was killed, a jury has heard. The case highlights the dangers journalists face when exposing wrongdoing. This article examines the trial evidence and its broader implications.
Key Evidence in the Murder Trial
The prosecution alleges that Fenech, heir to one of Malta's largest fortunes, commissioned and paid for Caruana Galizia's assassination in a car bombing in October 2017. Her son, Matthew Caruana Galizia, a software engineer and part of the Panama Papers reporting team, testified about his mother's work.
Matthew described being drawn into helping his mother, saying that as facts emerged, it felt like a "portal" had opened and he could "see into hell." In 2015, while processing millions of Panama Papers files, he found information directly relevant to Malta.
The Panama Papers Connection
The leaked documents revealed that Malta's then energy minister, Konrad Mizzi, and the prime minister's chief of staff, Keith Schembri, had set up offshore companies soon after entering office. A firm of accountants assisted them in opening bank accounts under those companies' names.
The jury saw a comment from Daphne in early 2017 under an article about the officials: "How unbelievably corrupt they are – and worse still, they were not tempted into corruption when they were already jaded in power, but actually got into power with the express purpose of being corrupt. It was their roadmap."

Electrogas Leak and Fenech's Role
At the time of her death, Matthew was helping his mother process another leak: thousands of emails from Electrogas, a company partly owned by Fenech. This evidence links Fenech directly to the corruption investigation that preceded the killing.
The trial continues to reveal the extent of alleged corruption within Malta's government and the lengths some will go to silence investigative journalism.
Comparison of Corruption Cases
| Case | Journalist | Alleged Corruption | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panama Papers (Malta) | Daphne Caruana Galizia | Offshore companies by officials | Murder trial ongoing |
| Electrogas Leak | Daphne Caruana Galizia | Business-government collusion | Murder trial ongoing |
| Other global cases | Various | Tax evasion, bribery | Varies |
Key Takeaways
- Journalistic integrity is crucial in exposing corruption.
- The Panama Papers leak had global impact, including in Malta.
- Fenech's trial underscores the risks faced by investigative reporters.
- Legal accountability is essential for protecting press freedom.