A Multi-Million Illegal Gambling Network Uncovered in Malta Amid Police Inaction
Journalists from The Shift gained access to reports from the Maltese Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU), which have documented the activities of one of the underground gambling criminal networks since 2020.
Main Figure — Jason John Desira
The central figure of the investigation is 52-year-old Jason John Desira from the town of Zejtun, who runs illegal lotteries and sports betting. His “office” is located above Jack’s Bar — literally just a few meters from the police station.
Operations are also conducted from a luxury villa in a protected natural zone (ODZ), and communication with operatives (“runners”) is carried out through several mobile phones.
FIAU established that Desira inherited the network from Melvin Theuma, an intermediary in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. After Theuma’s arrest, about 2 million euros in cash were seized from him.
The Network and Its Scale
According to FIAU reports, the criminal group:
- Earns tens of thousands of euros weekly;
- Issues official betting receipts to clients, accepting only cash;
- Operates in bars, clubs, and at players’ homes;
- Is active in the southern part of the island, especially in Marsa, Qormi, Birkirkara, and Rabat.
The illegal activity has led to:
- Serious losses to the state budget;
- The spread of unregistered and uncontrolled gambling;
- Mass money laundering through the real estate market.
Other Participants in the Scheme
FIAU handed over dossiers on several key figures to the police:
| Name | City | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Engelbart Mamo | Rabat | Suspected of laundering money through deals with Theuma |
| Darren James Vella | Birkirkara | Participant in illegal bookmaker activities |
| Emanuel and Steve Baldaccino | Qormi | Father and son involved in illegal schemes |
| Warren Attard | Marsa | Operates through a bar-office |
| Fabian Grima | Qormi | Betting organizer, bar in Marsa |
| George Scicluna | Qormi | A figure with many years of involvement in the scheme |
Police Inaction
Despite detailed FIAU reports, the police have taken no action for over a year. The Financial Crime Investigation Department (FCID) received the documents, but no arrests followed.
When approached by The Shift, the police refused to comment on the situation, citing the “classified” nature of the information.
The Malta Police, including Commissioner Angelo Gafa and his deputy Fabian Fleri, have not explained the reason for the inaction. This raises concerns about systemic evasion of accountability.