…
World
Fenech Trial in Malta: Key Witness Describes €150,000 Assassination Contract
Herz — World Desk · · 30s summary · 3 min read
The essentials
On August 7, 2026, Melvin Theuma, a taxi driver placed under witness protection after receiving a pardon in exchange for his cooperation, began his testimony as the prosecution's key witness at the trial of Yorgen Fenech in Malta. Fenech, 44, heir to a Maltese real estate empire including several Hilton hotels, is being tried for complicity in the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was killed in a car bombing in October 2017. Theuma claims to have served as an intermediary between Fenech and three convicted perpetrators—brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio and their associate Vincent Muscat—for a €150,000 assassination contract.
- Theuma begins testimony on August 7, 2026 at Fenech trial in Malta
- €150,000 contract allegedly funded the assassination of journalist Caruana Galizia
- Fenech reportedly announced murder via SMS while 'preparing champagne' to celebrate
- Three perpetrators—Degiorgio brothers and Vincent Muscat—already convicted
- Theuma testifies facing away from Fenech due to prior intimidation complaints
What We Know
On August 7, 2026, Melvin Theuma, a taxi driver placed under witness protection after receiving a pardon in exchange for his cooperation, began his testimony as the prosecution's key witness at the trial of Yorgen Fenech in Malta, according to The Guardian.
Fenech, 44, heir to a Maltese real estate empire including several Hilton hotels, is being tried for complicity in the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was killed in a car bombing in October 2017.
Before her death, Caruana Galizia had published revelations about high-ranking Maltese politicians, revelations that led to the calling of snap general elections.
Theuma claims to have served as an intermediary between Fenech and three perpetrators: brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio and their associate Vincent Muscat, all three already convicted. The contract was valued at €150,000.
The Champagne SMS and the Murder Order
According to Theuma, Fenech first asked him in April 2017 to eliminate Caruana Galizia to protect his uncle Raymond Fenech, director of the family business. Fenech later changed his justification, citing his own protection.
During the operation's execution, Fenech reportedly sent Theuma an SMS from his boat indicating that he was 'preparing the champagne' in anticipation of celebrating the assassination.
Fenech also reportedly asked Theuma to temporarily halt the murder when Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced snap elections, instead proposing that he bet €150,000 on Muscat's victory.
Joseph Muscat won the June 2017 elections with a landslide victory. The bet returned €300,000, with a commission deducted. That same evening, Fenech—described as appearing drunk—called Theuma to order him to proceed with the journalist's elimination.
Fenech then handed Theuma an envelope containing €150,000 to finance the operation. The killers received a down payment of €30,000 and began surveilling Caruana Galizia's movements from a warehouse known as the 'potato shed' at the Marsa docks.
Timeline
- April 2017Fenech asks Theuma to arrange the assassination of Caruana Galizia, first citing protection of his uncle Raymond Fenech.
- Before June 2017Fenech asks to suspend the murder when snap elections are announced and orders a €150,000 bet on Prime Minister Joseph Muscat's victory.
Topics
Related articles
Latest articles
The illustrations in this article are generated by artificial intelligence.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to react.
