Maltese Arrested In International Operation With FBI

Feb 9 2024

In an operation by the Malta Police Force assisting the US FBI, a 27 year old Maltese man was arrested in connection to sales of illegal malware on the darkweb.

The convicted was also arrested due to the exchanging of mentoring of services on what is known as the ‘Hack Forum’.

The malware, known as RAT (Remote Access Trojan) is used by criminals to gain access and control of the computers and/or servers of the victim.

Despite there being multiple victims of this malware in the US, there are no confirmed victims from Malta.

The investigations were carried out by the Cyber Crime unit after aid was requested by the United States after indications showed that the suspect was Maltese. The suspect was identified as Maltese and was revealed to be in association with other criminals who were not Maltese and did not live in Malta.

On the 7th of February 2024, Maltese police arrested the suspect on his workplace in Gudja.

The 27 year old was arraigned in court on Thursday afternoon so that procedures for his extradition to the US can begin. The suspect gave his consensus for his extradition to the US and is being held in Corradino Correctional Facility.

In association with this investigation, a Nigerian man living in Nigeria was also arrested. Other operations in various countries related to this malware are being undertaken by Europol in association with other countries and states.

#MaltaDaily

You Cannot Stack Draw 2 Cards On Each Other, UNO Says

Feb 9 2024

Having taken to Twitter (X) on September of 2022, the card game UNO revealed that the rumours are true – one cannot officially stack a Draw 2 on a Draw 2.

Of course, the word officially was italicised, given that players are known to make up their own rules – often announcing them mid-way through the game instead at the beginning of a match as ethics would suggest.

The rumors are true. You cannot 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 stack a Draw 2 on a Draw 2. https://t.co/ZrTfsR50Km

— UNO (@realUNOgame) September 28, 2022

Playing UNO has been known to break relationships and instil deep hatreds due to the stacking of +4 or +2 cards as they mount up and some poor soul has to pick up the entire deck.

Tag someone who you HATE playing UNO with.

#MaltaDaily

Funding Opportunities For Environmental Sustainability Projects

Feb 9 2024

The Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) convened researchers from Mediterranean countries for a two-day seminar under the European Programme PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area). The seminar aims to foster collaboration among researchers to devise innovative solutions for sustainable utilization of primary resources, especially in water management, sustainable farming, and the agro-food value chain.

Focused on funding opportunities within the PRIMA programme for the current year, the seminar encouraged proposals from local and international researchers, guided by MCST experts, emphasizing research and innovation in specified thematic areas to enhance environmental preservation.

Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti urged local researchers to engage in cross-border collaborations, stressing their potential to revolutionize various sectors, particularly in combating climate change. He emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering smart, competitive, and resilient sectors through research and innovation.

MCST Chairman Tonio Portughese highlighted the seminar’s role in empowering local stakeholders to form successful consortia, fostering innovative research projects addressing common Mediterranean issues. This initiative aims to drive positive change and advancement in the region.

#MaltaDaily

January 2024 Had Over 181 Hours Of Sunshine

Feb 9 2024

The winter season in the Maltese Islands has been mild, resembling the previous year with warm temperatures and low precipitation.

January saw only 37.3mm of rainfall, significantly below the average, with thunderstorms occurring on two days and one instance of hail.

The month was 1.2°C warmer than usual, reaching a high of 24.5°C on January 18th, though not breaking the record of 25.8°C set in 2021.

The coldest day was January 23rd, hitting 6.7°C, but still warmer than the record low of 1.4°C from 1981. Sunlight exceeded the norm by 11.5 hours, with the gloomiest day on January 11th. Wind speeds remained consistent with the average, peaking at 47 knots on January 6th and 7th.

Forecast for Carnival 2024 anticipates fine weather initially, turning blustery with thundery showers by Sunday. Winds will increase to Force 5-6 by Saturday, persisting through Carnival’s end on Tuesday, accompanied by isolated showers and slightly cooler temperatures, with a maximum of 17°C during the day and 11°C at night on Sunday.

#MaltaDaily