Maltese police believe Panama Papers journalist was killed with a bomb triggered by a text message

[Judi Lynn]

Last edited Fri Dec 8, 2017, 07:16 PM - Edit history (1)

Source: Reuters

DANIEL BROWN, REUTERS
DEC 9, 2017, 5:07 AM

Maltese investigators believe a man charged with murdering an anti-corruption journalist set off the car bomb which killed her via SMS from a cabin cruiser out at sea, police sources said on Wednesday.

Three men were charged on Tuesday over the death of Daphne Caruana Galizia, whose car was blown up as she drove out of her home on Oct. 16. The crime shocked the Mediterranean island and raised concerns among European Union lawmakers about the rule of law there.

The three, named as Vince Muscat, and brothers Alfred and George Degiorgio, have all pleaded not guilty.

Police sources said investigators suspected George Degiorgio sent the text message after receiving a signal from his brother Alfred, who they believe acted as a lookout. A boat has been impounded. There was no immediate statement from the men’s lawyers.

Read more: https://www.businessinsider.com.au/httpsukreuterscomarticleuk-malta-carbombpolice-suspect-car-bomb-that-killed-maltese-reporter-was-triggered-from-boat-idukkbn1e025l-2017-12

[Brother Buzz]

1. Jeez Louise, this sound like is was straight out of a John Le Carre novel

[Efilroft Sul]

2. I wonder if Vince Muscat is related to Malta's Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat.

According to the Times of Malta, in 2017, Galizia alleged that Egrant, a Panamanian company, was owned by Michelle Muscat, the wife of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat. These allegations resulted in Muscat calling the June 2017 general elections, which saw Muscat's Labour Party remaining in government.

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. No, they're not related:

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who is not related to Vincent Muscat, said some of the 10 detainees were already known to the police while others had criminal records.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-42246695

[Efilroft Sul]

4. Thanks for the update, muriel.

Earlier reports didn't confirm or deny the surname link.