Former Labour Party general secretary Jimmy Magro will serve a prison sentence of four years and eight months after the Court of Appeal upheld his conviction in a high-profile corruption case.
The judgment, delivered by Consuelo Scerri Herrera, dismissed Magro's appeal in its entirety, confirming the original sentence handed down last year. The ruling brings a definitive end to proceedings and makes Magro one of the most senior former party officials in recent memory to be imprisoned.
Magro was found guilty of soliciting kickbacks and attempting to influence a public tender linked to an EU-funded waste collection project in 2014. At the time, he was serving as a consultant and project leader for the Local Councils Association and sat on the adjudicating board overseeing the tender process.
The case centred on allegations that Magro sought a bribe from bidder Victor Bonello in exchange for ensuring the contract, valued at €250,000, would be awarded in his favour. Evidence presented in court included emails in which Magro suggested discussing "our commercial take" on the project.
Bonello testified that during a meeting at a supermarket cafeteria, Magro indicated he could secure the tender but needed financial assistance for personal expenses, including tax liabilities and a planned holiday. Bonello refused to comply and later filed a criminal complaint, escalating the matter to authorities, including then prime minister Joseph Muscat.
Although the court found no proof that money exchanged hands, it ruled that the solicitation itself constituted a serious abuse of position. Magro was initially convicted in April 2025 and sentenced to prison.
In his appeal, Magro argued that the evidence was insufficient and that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. He also contended that he should not be classified as a public official, claiming his role was limited to part-time consultancy work, and therefore not subject to strict anti-corruption laws.
The Court of Appeal rejected these arguments, affirming that Magro's responsibilities-particularly his management of public and EU funds-placed him within the definition of a public employee. The court held that his actions undermined the integrity of the tendering process and risked damaging Malta's reputation with European institutions.
Magro also sought a reduced sentence on the basis of his age, medical condition and previously clean record. These mitigating factors were dismissed, with the court maintaining that the seriousness of the offence warranted the original punishment.
In addition to the prison term, Magro has been permanently interdicted, barring him from holding any public office or employment.
Following his initial conviction, the Labour Party confirmed that Magro was no longer a member.