- EU officials condemn Malta’s passport-selling scheme ($650K each) for facilitating illicit activity and money laundering.
- The tiny Mediterranean island joined the EU (2004) after implementing reforms in the 90s.
- The Italian mafia, Iranians, and Venezuelan’s allegedly launder money through Europe via Malta.
- Malta’s growth has also been driven by being the first country to legalize online gambling (12% of GDP) in 2004.
- Prime Minister Joseph Muscat denies allegations and seeks to legalize digital currency frameworks to attract more investment.
