Daphne Caruana Galizia Murder Trial: Corruption Evidence Revealed 2026

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. This revelation comes during the ongoing murder trial of Fenech, who is accused of commissioning and paying for the journalist’s assassination in a car bombing in October 2017. The case has drawn international attention, highlighting the dangers faced by investigative journalists worldwide.

Key Evidence Presented in Court

Matthew Caruana Galizia, the journalist’s son and a software engineer, testified on Monday about his role in uncovering crucial evidence. He described being drawn into helping his mother with her investigative work, stating that as more facts emerged, it felt like a “portal” had opened, allowing him to “see into hell.” His testimony provided a rare insider perspective on the meticulous research that preceded the murder.

In 2015, Matthew was working on the Panama Papers leak, uploading millions of files into a database for reporters investigating tax havens. While processing these files, he found information directly relevant to Malta, which he shared with his mother. Over time, material from the leak and Daphne’s own sources 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 was allegedly helping them open bank accounts in those companies’ names.

The Corruption Trail

The jury was shown a comment left by Daphne in early 2017 under a newspaper article about the minister and chief of staff. She wrote: “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.” This statement underscores the depth of corruption she was investigating.

At the time of her death, Matthew was helping his mother process another leak consisting of thousands of emails from Electrogas, a company partly owned by Fenech. This evidence is central to the prosecution’s case, linking Fenech to the conspiracy. The trial continues to unfold, with more witnesses expected to testify.

Comparison of Key Figures in the Case

Key Takeaways from the Trial

• Daphne Caruana Galizia was investigating high-level corruption involving government officials and business elites.
• Her son Matthew provided crucial testimony about the Panama Papers and Electrogas leaks.
• The murder trial highlights the risks journalists face when exposing wrongdoing.
• Evidence shows a pattern of offshore companies and secret bank accounts linked to Malta’s leadership.

FAQ

The trial continues to shed light on the dark intersection of politics, business, and crime in Malta. As the world watches, the pursuit of justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia remains a powerful reminder of the importance of press freedom and accountability.