Farrugia says arrests could be made only after concrete evidence is identified

Minister Michael Farrugia told Italian media that investigators are gathering more evidence and it is only after concrete evidence is identified that people could be arrested in connection with the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Speaking to TG3 on Sunday evening, Farrugia said that investigations are still ongoing and that Europol has a wide net of data that are being analysed.

This follows a report carried earlier in the day that “more than two” Maltese nationals have been identified as the possible masterminds behind the killing of the journalist, slain with a car bomb in Bidnija on 16 October 2016. The minister did not confirm nor deny the report.

Asked whether such media reports could hinder the investigation, Farrugia told TG3 that nothing more could be added at this stage. The €1 million reward for anyone who can actively help in bringing the masterminds of the assassination to book is still available, he said.

Three men stand charged with the murder of the journalist. Brothers Alfred Degiorgio and George Degiorgio, and Vince Muscat, were arrested on 4 December and charged with the murder.

In a statement yesterday afternoon, the Home Affairs Ministry said that following the TG3 news bulletin report about the Daphne Caruana Galizia investigation of Sunday 18th November 2018, the Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security clarifies that during the phone recorded interview, Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Michael Farrugia emphasised that only after there is concrete evidence that arrests can be made.

Minister Farrugia confirmed that the police investigation is still ongoing and that Europol is still actively involved in the case.