Former MCAST Manager to Be Indicted Over Alleged €2.3M Fraud

The court has ruled that there is enough evidence to proceed with a formal indictment against 61-year-old Francine Farrugia, who stands accused of defrauding MCAST of more than €2 million, TVM News reported.

The case continued on Tuesday morning in Courtroom 10 before Magistrate Rachel Montebello, where the compilation of evidence against Farrugia resumed. The former Siġġiewi Local Council member and Nationalist Party representative is facing allegations of fraud amounting to €2.3 million, allegedly carried out between September 2023 and July 2024, while she was employed as a manager in MCAST’s Accounts Department. Farrugia denies all charges.

During the latest sitting, MCAST’s Director of Human Resources testified that Farrugia was frequently reminded about payroll and audit deadlines.

The witness described her repeated delays as “procrastination,” noting that even when audit files were submitted on time, they often required later adjustments. She also revealed that while Farrugia had full access to the payroll system, including the ability to delete payslips, no irregularities were flagged during external audits.

Further testimony will be heard from APS Bank representatives and through the examination of payroll audit trails to establish how changes may have been made after files were approved.

Magistrate Montebello ordered Farrugia’s passport, currently kept at her father’s residence, to be surrendered while she remains under arrest. The case has been adjourned to October 6 for the continuation of proceedings.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Credit: MCAST Malta