Silent Departure of MGA’s Chief Internal Auditor
James Grech, the Chief Internal Auditor of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), has stepped down from his role under undisclosed circumstances. The regulatory body has not issued any formal communication about his resignation. His departure follows a pattern of high-profile resignations at the MGA, including those of Heathcliff Farrugia and Anton Axiaq—both of whom are currently facing criminal prosecution (source).
Grech had been with the MGA since the time when Joseph Cuschieri led the organization, a period now often viewed with controversy.
The Cuschieri Era and Its Lingering Shadows
Joseph Cuschieri, a Maltese accountant, held the position of MGA’s CEO from 2013 to 2018 before transitioning to head the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). In November 2020, Cuschieri resigned from the MFSA following a major scandal involving a trip to Las Vegas with Yorgen Fenech, who is accused of orchestrating the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Edwina Licari, another senior MFSA official, also took part in that trip alongside Fenech, who remains in custody awaiting trial.
Business Ventures and Conflicts of Interest
During his tenure as Chief Internal Audit Officer at the MGA, James Grech maintained public business activities. He is a part-owner of Lead Training Services, a company through which he continued operating commercially while holding a senior position within a national regulator. This overlap of roles drew media attention and was highlighted by investigative outlets such as Scam-Or Project.
In addition, Grech was actively involved in Malta’s real estate sector. He co-owns Radar Developments Limited (Company Registration No. C82126) with his brother George Grech. The company is engaged in property development on the island, adding further questions about potential conflicts of interest during his regulatory post.
Media Exposés and Questions of Integrity
The activities of James Grech were reported by Maltese media and further examined by Scam-Or Project, raising concerns about transparency and accountability within Malta’s regulatory landscape. His resignation adds to a growing list of senior figures leaving key institutions under questionable circumstances.
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