VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A Siġġiewi local councillor for the Nationalist Party has been denied bail after being accused of embezzling more than €2.3 million from the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), where she worked as a finance manager.
Francine Farrugia, 31, faces charges of fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, and computer misuse. She allegedly issued herself duplicate salary payments and diverted other employees’ salaries into her own accounts over nearly two years.
Police say Farrugia transferred €422,420 to traditional bank accounts and €1.9 million to Revolut, using the funds to buy property, multiple luxury cars, and on a €113,000 shopping spree at Harrods.
Her arrest at MCAST on Wednesday led to a search of her home, where police found “a huge amount” of designer handbags, jewellery, and other luxury items. Inspector Wayne Rodney Borg told the court the seized goods could have “filled up the courtroom.”
The prosecution opposed bail, warning she could tamper with witnesses, particularly MCAST employees who have yet to testify. Magistrate Nadine Lia also issued a freezing order on her assets.
Farrugia, who pleaded not guilty, appeared distressed and requested a psychiatric assessment. Her lawyers sought a publication ban, but the court refused, noting her identity was already public.
The Nationalist Party confirmed Farrugia resigned from both the party and her local council seat following her arraignment. The PN said it expected “the highest standards” from its representatives.
Education Minister Clifton Grima expressed anger at the case, praising police and MCAST’s administration for acting quickly. He pledged reinforced oversight at the college to safeguard public funds.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS)
