Fenech Trial in Malta: Key Witness Describes €150,000 Hit Contract Against Caruana Galizia

Herz — World Desk · 7 August 2026 at 20:26 · 30s summary · 3 min read

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 testifying as the prosecution's key witness in Yorgen Fenech's trial in Malta, according to The Guardian.

Fenech, 44, a real estate heir whose portfolio includes several Hilton hotels, is accused of complicity in the assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, killed in a car bomb attack in October 2017.

Before her death, Caruana Galizia published exposés about high-ranking Maltese politicians, revelations that led to early general elections being called.

Theuma claims he served as intermediary between Fenech and three executioners: brothers George and Alfred Degiorgio and their associate Vincent Muscat, all already convicted. The contract was valued at €150,000.

The Champagne SMS and Murder Order

According to Theuma, Fenech first approached him in April 2017 with a request to eliminate Caruana Galizia to protect his uncle Raymond Fenech, who headed the family business. Fenech later changed his justification, citing his own protection.

While the operation was underway, Fenech allegedly sent Theuma an SMS from his boat saying he was 'preparing the champagne' to celebrate the assassination.

Fenech also allegedly asked Theuma to temporarily suspend the murder when Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced early elections, instead proposing a €150,000 bet on Muscat's electoral victory.

Muscat won the June 2017 election by a landslide. The bet returned €300,000, with a commission deducted. That same evening, Fenech—described as appearing intoxicated—called Theuma and ordered him to proceed with the journalist's elimination.

Fenech then handed Theuma an envelope containing €150,000 to finance the operation. The hitmen received a €30,000 down payment and began surveilling Caruana Galizia's movements from a warehouse known as the 'potato shed' at Marsa docks.

Timeline

1. April 2017
   Fenech asks Theuma to arrange Caruana Galizia's assassination, initially citing protection of his uncle Raymond Fenech.
2. Before June 2017
   Fenech requests suspension of the murder following announcement of early elections and orders a €150,000 bet on Prime Minister Joseph Muscat's victory.
3. Muscat wins the election decisively. The bet returns €300,000. Fenech orders Theuma to proceed with the murder that same evening.