Helga Buttigieg Debono has been appointed as Head of the Anti-Money Laundering and the Combating of Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Unit which has been set up.
The Unit's aim is to, among other things, coordinate the various competent authorities which are currently involved in the prevention of money laundering and of terrorism financing, a government statement read.
"The unit will facilitate the cooperation and sharing of intelligence between the participating stakeholders so that the local system becomes more efficient in the deduction and prevention of all money-laundering related crimes, and to ensure the stability and integrity of Malta's economy."
"The Unit will serve as the administrative arm of the National Co-ordinating Committee on AML/CFT. This unit is another step towards respecting the amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, which transposed the Anti-Money Laundering (AML4) Directive," a statement read
The Committee is composed of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for Finance (chairperson), the permanent secretary of the ministry responsible for home affairs, the permanent secretary of the ministry responsible for justice, the Governor of the Central Bank of Malta, the Commissioner for Revenue, the Chairman of the Malta Financial Services Authority, the Chairperson of the Malta Gaming Authority, the Commissioner of Police, the Attorney General, the Chairman of the Unit, and the Chairperson of the Asset Recovery Bureau or their deputies.
"The Unit which has been set up is aimed at providing better co-ordination of the competent authorities to guarantee a safe economy which safeguards against anti-money laundering related crimes."
Dr Buttigieg Debono is a practising advocate by profession. "She has also acquired experience in the field after serving as a ranking official in the Malta Police Force within the Economic Crimes Unit and Money Laundering Section where she developed investigative skills, management experience, and prosecution abilities which will help her in her new role. She has served in the Criminal and Civil Courts and is versed in court procedures and litigation. She has also been previously employed as a lawyer with a leading Maltese bank. Dr Buttigieg Debono has also served as member of the board of two government authorities."
Minister for Finance Edward Scicluna stated that, "We are determined to see through that the strategic initiatives are carried out between now and 2020 so that Malta maintains the stability and integrity of its economy."