Maltese regulator signs police MoU

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the island’s police force to collaborate on tackling illegal activities in the gambling sector.

The MoU focuses on exchanging information about gaming operations between the Malta Police Force and the regulator, as well as joint operations where the seizure of assets may be required.

The two parties will also collaborate on investigations into criminal activity in the gambling sector.

“Apart from having a closer collaboration, through this MoU, both parties are also agreeing to share their respective knowledge and to formally provide technical training to each other,” MGA chief executive Heathcliff Farrugia explained.

“This agreement is testament to the ongoing efforts of the two entities in continuing their fight against illegal gaming activities in Malta.”

Police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar added: “The signing of this MoU with the MGA is one in a string of initiatives which the Malta Police Force under my charge has embarked upon over the past months aimed at combating criminality in general whilst it goes to show our strong commitment to tackle two of the most challenging crime categories, namely financial and computer-related crime.”

The regulator has been increasingly active over the past year. In April, the MGA suspended Wish Me Luck Ltd’s gaming licence, with the online raffle website ordered to hand over company data and documentation to assist with an investigation into the business.

The authority has also taken similar action against a number of other operators in recent months, including Neptune Entertainment and Triton Gaming, which both had their licences cancelled in March.