“Over the last year, there has been a rise in fake Covid Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as swab tests and even ventilators passing through the borders,” Joseph Chetcuti, Customs Director- General told the Malta Business Weekly.

“Although Malta has not been a destination for this paraphernalia, we have identified such items on route to other countries,” said Chetcuti. He explained how a change in strategy to a risk-based approach has provided fruitful for the customs teams, with more accurate checks in all areas of their work, including the Anti-Money Laundering, (AML) team.

Chetcuti said, “This vital section was introduced, within the Department’s structure, in November 2018, commencing with a team of four Officials.  It was, subsequently, enhanced by five additional Officials in 2019. The AMLT is now working in close cooperation with the newly established Customs Canine Unit, the Customs Enforcement Unit and the Customs Intelligence Services. The section has also improved cooperation with other counterparts, such as the Police anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing units and the FIAU.”

Read the full story on the The Malta Business Weekly.