Over €190,000 in undeclared cash confiscated by Customs at Airport

Aug 23 2021

Customs Malta managed to confiscate up to €190,000 in undeclared cash at the Malta International Airport. A Somali man was found carrying €10,548 in his hand luggage and an additional €155,000 in his checked-in luggage. Meanwhile, a Moroccan and Egyptian were also found to be carrying undeclared cash.

The joint effort by the Customs AMLT Section and the Customs K9 Unit continued to push against undeclared cash movement through Maltese borders. With routine inspections, the officials managed to intercept the equivalent of €165,548 in undeclared cash following an indication by K9 Sophie.

The Somali traveler was making his way to Turkey before being escorted to the departures office for further inspections. The traveller stated he was carrying 1,600 dollars but further investigation led to the discovery of over €10,000. A further €155,000 in the checked-in luggage were found after being offloaded from the flight. The total amounted to €165,548.

During the weekend of Santa Marija, canines also reacted positively to two hand luggages at the Airport. A Moroccan passenger was found to be carrying €11,055 in undeclared cash whereas an Egyptian passenger was found to be carrying €15,000 in undeclared cash.

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Photo Source: Customs Malta FB

Justice Minister responds to criticism over finding jobs for supporters

Aug 23 2021

Following news that Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis would usually turn to Yorgen Fenech to find jobs for his supporters, the politician took to Facebook to clear the air with a response. He stated that he was being criticised for trying to help his constituents find the right employment for them and to maintain themselves and their families. He stated how as a representative of the population he has the duty to help wherever he is needed.

He continues by saying that he has always acted with integrity and honesty in whatever public career he held with sacrifice. He said this is also true of his family who never abused this position of Lewis to profit off of it. Zammit Lewis pointed out that he plans to keep doing so as he believes the current Labour government is the right choice for the good of Malta and Gozo.

This response comes after a report from Times of Malta alleged how exchanges between the Justice Minister and the murder suspect involved in the Daphne Caruana Galizia case were used to find jobs for his supporters. The report alleges that these go back to 2014, back when Lewis was still Tourism Minister. The Justice Minister has come under considerable critique for his exchanges with Fenech. Current Prime Minister Robert Abela has so far stood by Lewis, despite many calls for his resignation.

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Photo Source: DW, Edward Zammit Lewis FB

Animal shelter creates Tinder profiles for lonely animals

Aug 23 2021

The Munich Animal Welfare Association has shot professional pictures for 15 animals in their care and uploaded them to Tinder with a stunningly positive response. This initiative came after animal welfare experts warned that following a surge in pet ownership due to the pandemic’s loneliness inducing effect, many pets are set to get abandoned.

The shelter in question got an advertising agency to shoot the photos, uploading photos for dogs and cats alike. These include a black-and-white cat called ‘Captain Kirk’, which were then uploaded to Tinder. Speaking on behalf of the shelter, Jillian Moss said that people are already swiping right on Tinder to set up their first date with the pets, hopefully leading to some happy adoption. ‘There aren’t only lonely souls among humans, but there are also a lot of lonely souls among animals’ she said.

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Photo Source: Reuters

€500 reward for information after beloved stray cat was burned alive

€500 reward for information after beloved stray cat was burnt alive

Aug 23 2021

After a beloved and local favourite stray cat named Tommy was doused in petrol and burned alive, an animal rights NGO is offering up to €500 to anyone with any information on those responsible for such a heinous and barbaric act. The Real Animal Foundation issued the reward on Monday, with coo-founder Romina Frendo stating that all information will be passed on to the police but confidentiality will be respected.

Police stated that they were investigating the case after receiving a report last Monday that a cat carcass had turned up in Triq il-Polverista in Cospicua. Animal Welfare Commissioner Alison Bezzina stated that such acts of cruelty are ‘despicable and reflective of a dead conscience.’ The killing left animal lovers in shock and disbelief, calling for the quick find of whoever is responsible. Confidential information could be sent via email on [email protected] or 77550550.

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Photo Source: Real Animal Rights Foundation FB, Alice Bugeja Muscat FB