The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit this evening said it was currently upgrading its servers in preparation for new IT systems, adding that this process had been planned months beforehand.

It was reacting to the presence of journalists outside its offices in Birkirkara, after they were informed that the FIAU servers were being replaced.

A source later said FIAU officials believed that there IT system was being hacked through Enemalta cables. The unit reportedly made the necessary arrangements to disconnect the servers for some time until they could reconnect them to a supposedly secure Enemalta feed. 

The activity also attracted former FIAU investigator, who had unsuccessfully applied for whistleblower status. He showed up on scene "as a concerned citizen" after he saw the news on Facebook, he told reports waiting outside.

He told reporters that he would know who was who and what was what if any were to happen. He also said that all of the FIAU's data would be held on the Unit's servers.

In a statement later, the FIAU said that “it is currently upgrading its servers in preparation for the implementation of two new IT systems including the Compliance Information System and the Financial Analysis System (GO AML Software).” 

“The decision to carry out this investment was taken months ago and various technical experts and service providers were appointed to assist the FIAU in the implementation of the project.”

“For further details with regards to these developments one may refer to the FIAU Annual Report for Year 2017 which is currently available on the FIAU Website. 

This project is co-funded from EU Internal Security  Funds 2014-2020 - Project  Reference Number MT/2017/ISF/10.01”

Leaks of confidential FIAU reports into the wheelings and dealings of Minister Konrad Mizzi and OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri have been the centre of controversy since last May, and they are also, in part, the focus of the ongoing international Daphne Project.