The jury trial of Yorgen Fenech entered its third day on Friday after prosecutors spent much of Thursday laying out what they described as the chronology of the plot that led to the assassination.
The first witness is leading investigator Keith Arnaud.
Fenech, 44, has pleaded not guilty to two principal charges: complicity in the wilful homicide of Caruana Galizia and criminal association to commit the murder.
The second day of proceedings was dominated by the prosecution's opening address after legal arguments between the defence and prosecution delayed the start of proceedings. Jurors were eventually called into the courtroom shortly after 11am to hear Attorney General prosecutor Anthony Vella present the State's case.
The trial is expected to move further into the evidential stage today, with witness testimony continuing before Madam Justice Edwina Grima.
Five men have already been convicted in connection with Caruana Galizia's assassination. Vince Muscat admitted his role in the murder in 2021 and was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment. Alfred and George Degiorgio each received 40-year prison sentences after pleading guilty in 2022, while Robert Agius and Jamie Vella were sentenced to life imprisonment in 2025 for supplying the bomb used in the attack.
The prosecution is being led by Attorney General lawyers Godwin Cini, Anthony Vella and Danika Vella, assisted by Assistant Commissioner Keith Arnaud and Inspector Kurt Zahra. Fenech is represented by lawyers Charles Mercieca, Gianella Demarco and Gianluca Caruana Curran, while lawyers Therese Comodini Cachia and Jason Azzopardi are appearing parte civile on behalf of the Caruana Galizia family.
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18:31 The court session for today has concluded. Lead investigator Keith Arnaud will return on Saturday morning to continue his testimony.
18:29 Theuma told police that, a few days after the murder, he informed Fenech he was growing worried about the case. Having seen reports in the media that the FBI was becoming involved in the investigation, Theuma expressed his fear of getting caught, Arnaud said.
18:28 According to Arnaud, Theuma stated that Yorgen Fenech told him Daphne Caruana Galizia was on the verge of publishing information about him personally. Theuma explained that this was the moment he realised Fenech had lied earlier when he claimed the journalist had information regarding his uncle, Ray Fenech.
18:24 Theuma told police he continued providing money to the Degiorgio brothers because he felt obligated to them, even after he had begun cooperating with authorities. He also revealed that he had placed a €150,000 bet on Labour winning the general election. Following the election result, Fenech called to ask for a lift to the airport; according to Theuma, Fenech entered the car with a brown envelope containing €150,000, which he handed over as payment for the murder plot. Theuma stated he held these funds until the murder was carried out, noting that a €30,000 deposit had already been paid.
18:19 Meanwhile, the 2017 election was announced. At this point, the murder plan had not received an official "go-ahead," and Yorgen Fenech instructed Theuma to pause everything, Arnaud testifies.
18:16 Theuma reported that Yorgen Fenech once called him at 6:30pm to say someone "from Castille" would contact him. He was later contacted by Sandro Craus and given an appointment at Castille. Upon arrival, he met OPM chief aide Keith Schembri on the stairs, who informed him they would find him a job. Arnaud confirms this was the meeting where the well-known photo of Theuma and Schembri was taken. Theuma claims this was his only contact with Schembri; he subsequently began receiving monthly government cheques of €890 without actually working. The first arrived in April, and after seven months, they stopped abruptly in September.
18:06 Theuma later met Alfred Degiorgio at Busy Bee in Msida to propose the murder. Alfred consulted his brother before agreeing to carry out the killing for €150,000. Theuma relayed this price to Fenech, who agreed to pay it, Arnaud says.
18.03 Theuma testified that three weeks before the 2017 election was announced, Yorgen Fenech requested a meeting at the Blue Elephant restaurant in Portomaso. Fenech asked if Theuma knew iċ-Ċiniz (George Degiorgio); when Theuma replied that he only knew his brother, Fenech allegedly stated, "I need to kill Daphne Caruana Galizia because she knows something about my uncle."
17:58 Theuma provided further context regarding his relationship with Yorgen Fenech, explaining that he knew Fenech's uncle, Ray, and became acquainted with Yorgen over time, eventually gaining access to operate his taxi at Portomaso, Arnaud says.
17.56 Arnaud explains that these documents corroborated Theuma's account. Theuma had kept the receipts to prove to Fenech that the money was reaching the Degiorgios and that he was not pocketing any of it. Arnaud notes that nearly half a million euros were funneled to the Degiorgio brothers in this manner to cover legal fees, food, and other expenses. Police began listening to the more than 100 recordings provided by Theuma. While not all were immediately accessible, investigators began reviewing those that were available.
17.46 Melvin Theuma provided investigators with a handwritten receipt from the Degiorgio brothers' lawyer, William Cuschieri, confirming the transfer of funds for legal fees. The receipt was discovered in Theuma's kitchen, hidden on the extractor hood above the stove. Arnaud states that investigators also recovered a document detailing cash allegedly passed from Yorgen Fenech to Theuma. These documents are now being presented to the jury.
17.40 Arnaud tells the court that Theuma became noticeably more anxious shortly after Vince Muscat (il-Koħħu) was questioned by police. Arnaud notes that although Theuma had never revealed Fenech's name to the hitmen, they knew Theuma was the intermediary who passed on the orders. Since Muscat had no one else to expose but him, Theuma began secretly photographing and recording his conversations with Fenech, believing he needed evidence to prove he was not acting alone should anything happen to him.
17.36 The prosecution begins presenting photographic evidence, starting with a low-quality image of a mobile phone screen that is difficult to discern from the gallery.
17.33 Arnaud describes the relationship between Melvin Theuma and Yorgen Fenech. He explains that while Theuma was not an employee of Fenech, he perceived Fenech as significantly more powerful, which served as the root of his mounting fears and anxieties.
17.32 The trial resumes, with lead investigator Keith Arnaud continuing his testimony.
16:50 A 20-minute break in proceedings.
16:49 Arnaud explains that an agreement was reached for a presidential pardon, which included strict conditions. Theuma was required to disclose everything he knew regarding the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, including what he had personally seen and heard, who carried out the killing, who provided the money, the amounts involved, and to whom he passed those funds. Arnaud notes that the agreement mandated that Theuma withhold absolutely nothing from investigators. Once the pardon was officially signed on November 19, 2019, Theuma began to tell all.
16:41 Arnaud tells the court that Yorgen Fenech's name surfaced in the chat messages recovered by investigators, which had been sent via the messaging app Signal. However, Arnaud explains that the police intentionally avoided questioning Melvin Theuma about those references right away. He adds that Theuma's legal team sought assurances that their client would receive a presidential pardon if his information successfully led investigators to other suspects.
16:30 The ice-cream tub contained: Three mobile phones; A long voice recorder Three USB sticks; A USB wire; Two packs of cards rolled up in rubber bands and another pack folded; 15 photos of chats (not screenshots, physical photographs); A picture of Melvin Theuma and Keith Schembri
16:28 Arnaud explains that prior to Melvin Theuma's cooperation, police had identified only a limited number of individuals they believed were connected to the case, specifically naming Theuma as the alleged middleman, Yorgen Fenech as the potential mastermind, and several others thought to be aware of developments in Theuma's life. Among those identified was Edgar Brincat, known as Il-Gojja, who was also arrested during the money laundering investigation. Arnaud notes that the operation scheduled for November 16, 2019, targeted Theuma, his partner, his partner's daughter, and Brincat. He further mentions Johann Cremona as an individual investigators believed might have possessed knowledge regarding the events under investigation.
16:25 Arnaud recounts that Melvin Theuma appeared nervous, clutching the ice cream tub throughout the session. Despite the inspector's suggestion that Theuma could first speak of what he knew without naming anyone, Theuma remained hesitant. The inquiring magistrate was summoned to the police depot, where, in the presence of Inspector Nicholas Vella, the proceedings were recorded from multiple angles in an audiovisual interrogation room. At 5:25pm that day, the ice cream tub was opened in the presence of the magistrate.
16:20 Arnaud tells the court that his perception of Melvin Theuma as a "tough guy" changed significantly once he was in custody. Upon being taken to the police depot following searches by the FCID, Theuma expressed a willingness to speak about the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder and claimed to possess an "ice cream tub" filled with material relevant to the investigation. Theuma requested that a lawyer "from the Nationalist Party camp" be present for his statement. Arnaud describes Theuma as non-confrontational, noting that he repeatedly broke down in tears and informed investigators that he had been contemplating approaching the police.
16:12 As the investigation developed, the police set 16 November 2019 as the date for Theuma's arrest. But two days before the planned arrest, Arnaud said he received a phone call from Inspector Nicholas Vella "about a big problem". So police anticpated their move and arrested him on 14 November.
16:09 Arnaud explains that in the first quarter of 2019, investigators adopted a new strategy after concluding that Melvin Theuma was involved in criminal activity, specifically illegal betting, beyond his work as a taxi driver. Rather than arresting him directly for the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, police decided to build a money laundering case against him. Arnaud states that this approach allowed them to arrest Theuma without revealing their suspicions regarding the assassination, while simultaneously granting them the legal grounds to search his properties for any potential recordings. The Economic Crimes Unit was brought in to lead this operation, and by May, Inspector Nicholas Vella had developed a strong case. Arnaud notes that the homicide squad deliberately remained in the background throughout this period as the financial investigation gained momentum.
16:04 Arnaud notes that the investigation team comprised approximately eight to ten individuals, including security service officers. He also mentions that the inquiry saw a change in the presiding magistrate in 2018. Arnaud explains that he first met Keith Schembri around 2017, after Silvio Valletta ceased his involvement in the investigation and Arnaud began attending meetings at Castille personally. Additionally, the team held regular meetings with Europol. Arnaud describes how, by late 2018 and early 2019, the investigators were divided on how to proceed. One group advocated for the immediate arrest of Melvin Theuma, while another group, which included Arnaud, argued for patience due to suspicions that Theuma possessed recordings that could significantly strengthen the case. Arnaud explains that because the police were unaware if these recordings existed or where they were hidden, arresting Theuma prematurely posed a major risk. Under the law, police are required to inform a suspect of the reason for their detention; had they arrested Theuma and failed to secure the recordings or further evidence, they would have been forced to release him, thereby alerting him to the investigation and exposing their strategy.
16:00 Arnaud recounts that investigators returned to Castille to provide an update, where they briefed officials on developments involving Melvin Theuma. The potential of granting Vince Muscat a presidential pardon was revisited, but by October, investigators concluded there was still no basis for such a move. Arnaud notes that by this time, former deputy police commissioner Silvio Valletta was no longer supervising the case, and Arnaud began reporting directly to the police commissioner. It was also agreed that Arnaud would focus exclusively on the Daphne Caruana Galizia investigation, while his colleague Kurt Zahra, also from the homicide squad, would take over other homicide cases.
15.56 Arnaud tells the court that investigators discovered Melvin Theuma had been secretly recording conversations, though it was not always clear who he was speaking to. Arnaud explains that by June or July 2018, investigators received their first indications that Melvin Theuma was having issues with Yorgen Fenech. By that time, police were aware that an intermediary existed within the murder plot and that Theuma was panicking and recording conversations. However, Arnaud notes that authorities still did not know the specific cause of Theuma's anxiety, the content of the recordings, or where they were being hidden.
15:50 Police attention turned to Melvin Theuma. The found out Theuma, a taxi driver, had problems he was dealing with. Police were trying to understand if this was related to the murder or other matters.
15:48 Following the meeting at Castille, investigators informed Vince Muscat's lawyer that they intended to further strengthen the case while evaluating potential grounds for a presidential pardon. Muscat was encouraged to share any additional details he could recall to assist the investigation. The very next day, Muscat's lawyer, Arthur Azzopardi, contacted the police in a panic, revealing that the Degiorgio brothers had discovered Muscat was speaking to investigators. Azzopardi stated that the brothers had confronted Muscat, questioning his intentions. Arnaud tells the court that the revelation caused immediate concern for everyone involved, particularly regarding Vince Muscat's safety.
15:45 Arnaud testifies about a meeting held at Castille, which was attended by then-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Chief of Staff Keith Schembri, then-Justice Minister Owen Bonnici, and the Police Commissioner. The discussion centred on whether investigators had collected sufficient evidence to warrant the arrest of Melvin Theuma. The consensus reached at the time was that the case against Theuma was not yet strong enough, so police opted to delay the arrest and continue their investigation to further solidify their position.
15:41 Arnaud testifies that investigators conducted surveillance outside the home of Mario Degiorgio, brother of Alfred and George. Police were aware of a phone call between one of the brothers and Mario, during which information was relayed to Melvin Theuma. Arnaud explains that Theuma remained in constant contact with Mario, repeatedly assuring him that the brothers would be taken care of. Although investigators frequently observed Theuma carrying bags into the house, they suspected these contained only food. Arnaud states that police believed this was Theuma's method of keeping the brother satisfied, noting that there was no similar contact with Vince Muscat, which suggests the murder plot was coordinated between Alfred Degiorgio and Theuma.
15:33 Arnaud says that Vince Muscat drove Alfred Degiorgio to Marsaskala to meet Melvin Theuma to collect the final payment for the murder. Muscat also told investigators that he had developed cold feet at one point and considered returning the money; however, despite these doubts, he remained involved in the plot. Arnaud explains to the court that Muscat provided this account after being arrested, charged, and expressing interest in cooperating in exchange for a presidential pardon. While much of what Muscat shared was based on information others had told him, Arnaud says that his testimony corroborated the evidence investigators had already independently gathered.
15.28 They began to track Daphne, Arnaud says. After being told that she frequented a coffee shop in Naxxar, they were able to follow her and found out where she lived. As preparations for the assassination intensified, the group acquired firearms from Robert Agius, known as Ta' Maksar, and rented a garage in Mosta, Arnaud told the court. The group also secured a second garage in Santa Venera, which Arnaud explains accounts for why telecommunications data previously placed the bomb's burner phone in that area. Arnaud adds that, according to Muscat, Robert Agius and Jamie Vella provided training to the Degiorgio brothers on how to operate the explosive device. Both Agius and Vella have since been convicted of murder and are currently serving life sentences.
15.25 Arnaud explains that, according to Vince Muscat's account, Alfred Degiorgio asked him to drive him to a meeting with Melvin Theuma a few days later. Muscat did not personally attend the meeting, but he recounted what Alfred later told him. A price of €150,000 had been offered for the hit. Muscat later drove Alfred to collect the deposit. Arnaud states that it was from this moment that the three began actively planning the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Theuma did not reveal who was behind the murder.
15.18 Arnaud is giving details of how the hitmen accessed the rental car but the media has been instructed not to report this part of the testumony so as to avoid the risk of others copying the method.
15:14 Arnaud outlines the testimony provided by Vince Muscat (il-Koħħu), who sought a pardon in exchange for his cooperation. Muscat's account of events aligned with the evidence police had gathered throughout the investigation. He accurately described several specific details, including the vantage points used for surveillance, the location of the cigarette butt discovered by officers, and the group's initial plan to assassinate Daphne Caruana Galizia with a firearm before opting for a car bomb. Muscat also detailed the use of a white rental car for rehearsing the attack, and explained how the mobile phones were utilized to carry out the detonation. Arnaud told the court that every detail provided by Muscat matched the physical and telecommunications evidence.
15:05 Court is back in session.
13:02 Judge Edwina Grima has ordered a break in proceedings. Arnaud's testimony will continue after the break.
13:00 Arnaud told the court that in March 2018, George Degiorgio again asked his brother Mario about the unidentified individual who had featured in previous prison conversations.
This time, he said, George indicated that the person's name began with the letter "M".
According to Arnaud, Mario replied that he had gone looking for the man at a gas shop opposite the Ħamrun Police Station.
The superintendent then described what he said was another major breakthrough in the investigation.
Arnaud testified that lawyer Arthur Azzopardi contacted him to inform him that Vince Muscat wished to speak to the police.
He said he subsequently met Muscat and Azzopardi discreetly at his office on 23 April 2018, explaining that the meeting was kept confidential for security reasons and because Muscat had indicated that he wanted to provide investigators with information.
12:55 Arnaud said investigators closely monitored the Degiorgio brothers' prison visits, telephone conversations with family members and money deposited into their prison accounts.
He said investigators repeatedly noticed the same pattern during calls with the brothers' sibling, Mario Degiorgio.
According to Arnaud, they would consistently ask their brother whether a particular individual had visited or been seen.
"Has he come? Have you seen him?" Arnaud quoted them as asking.
Mario's response, he said, was always the same: "No."
Arnaud added that the brothers never identified the individual by name, a detail investigators considered suspicious and which prompted further attention.
12.53: Investigators analysed Daphne's blog, examining what she had written about. Nothing in her published work led to the motive behind the murder, which pushed investigators into thinking she had been killed because of something she was working on but had not yet published.
12:45 The investigation was far from over, Arnaud said. They had a fundamental question to answer.: what was Daphne Caruana Galizia killed? Did the men who were arraigned have a motive to kill ker, or was there someone else behind the plot? The seven other people who were arrested were released on police bail.
12:42 During the searches, mobile phones were recovered, including Vince Muscat's personal device and the burner phone ending in 8824, which had been linked to George Degiorgio. Arnaud stated that this discovery strengthened the prosecution's case, as the burner phone had been traced to the Grand Harbour area near the Upper Barrakka at the time of the detonation. The three suspects exercised their right to remain silent during interrogation and were arraigned on December 5, 2017.
12:35 Investigators decided to arrest 10 people instead of the five originally identified. Arnaud described the operation at the Marsa potato shed, where the suspects were apprehended. When George Degiorgio was taken into custody, he was not carrying his own phone, but his partner's mobile number was written on his hand in pen.
12:25 In the final week of November 2017, the inquiring magistrate signed the arrest warrants. Around that time, Assistant Commissioner Silvio Valletta asked Arnaud to join him at the Office of the Prime Minister in Castille to brief Joseph Muscat on the investigation's progress. He and Valletta returned to Castille in the following weeks to provide further updates.
12:22 Arrest warrants were issued for George Degiorgio, Alfred Degiorgio, and Vince Muscat. Investigators found indications that others had assisted in the plot, leading them to also obtain arrest warrants for brothers Robert and Adrian Agius, known as Ta' Maksar.
12:18 Through telecommunications analysis, investigators identified the users of the three burner phones. On the morning of the murder, all three devices were active in Bidnija before moving to St Paul's Bay. Arnaud stated that phone 8824 was linked to George Degiorgio and 8823 to Alfred Degiorgio. The third device, ending in 8820, was identified through elimination and by comparing location data from the personal phone of their close associate, Vince Muscat - known as il-Koħħu - to the burner phone's movements.
12:10 Investigators conducted a reconstruction exercise to confirm if the boat captured on CCTV on the day of the murder was indeed George Degiorgio’s vessel, Maya. Officers tracked the boat’s berth, positioned themselves near the Upper Barrakka, and filmed the Maya as it left the harbour, capturing clear footage of both the boat and George Degiorgio at the helm. They also recorded the vessel as it returned to the Marsa potato shed. Arnaud explained that by comparing the reconstruction footage with the CCTV recorded on October 16, 2017, they found the features matched, leading them to conclude that the Maya was the same boat used on the day of the assassination.
12:04 The court session resumed with Inspector Arnaud stating that investigators were already familiar with the Degiorgio brothers, identifying them as known figures in St Paul's Bay. While police had initially struggled to link specific activity to the Siġġiewi area, they were aware that George Degiorgio owned a boat named Maya and that his brother, Alfred, also owned a vessel. CCTV footage later confirmed that a boat left the Grand Harbour at approximately 6:30am on the day of the murder. Shortly before 3pm, the vessel stopped beneath the Upper Barrakka area. Arnaud noted that the boat remained stationary for five to ten minutes - coinciding exactly with the time of the explosion - before returning to the Grand Harbour toward the Marsa potato shed.
11:36 As people return to Hall 22, Judge Edwina Grima calls both parties into her chambers.
11:04 The judge orders a 30-minute coffee break. The court session is to resume shortly.
11:02 Inspector Keith Arnaud testifies that the telecommunications evidence began pointing toward the Degiorgio brothers. On the night before the murder, one of the phones was traced to a potato shed in Marsa, a location police already associated with the suspects. Investigators also found that two of the phones repeatedly connected to mobile masts covering St Paul's Bay, near where Alfred and George Degiorgio resided. Additionally, Arnaud noted that the fact that one of the brothers owned a boat was considered a significant detail as they reconstructed the movements of the devices during the murder.
10:57 As telecommunications evidence was pieced together, investigators concluded that the devices used were inexpensive "burner phones" purchased prior to October 16, which were used almost exclusively to communicate with each other. These phones were occasionally left on overnight in Siġġiewi and St Paul's Bay. In the days before the murder, two of the devices were tracked together in the Bidnija area.
10:43 After decoding the detonation command, investigators focused on the second SIM card, which had been connecting to masts near the Grand Harbour. Its activity mirrored the device in Bidnija; it was powered on just before the explosion. Based on the pattern of rapid connections to different mobile masts, investigators concluded the user was at sea, noting that the location changes occurred over such short periods that such speeds would have been impossible to achieve on land.
10:40 Arnaud explains that the SIM card inside the triggering device sent hourly location updates, confirming it stayed in the Bidnija area until the blast. At 2:58pm, the card registered its final activity before dropping from the network. An FBI expert reconstructed the shattered device from fragments found at the scene, allowing investigators to confirm that a specific SMS command was responsible for detonating the bomb.
10:35 Telecommunications data enabled investigators to map out contact between the devices, call durations, and precise locations. Arnaud explained that an SMS sent from the Valletta-based phone contained the specific code that activated the explosive device. The first significant communication between the two SIM cards was identified on August 21, 2017, when they connected to a mobile mast at Burmarrad Hill View near Bidnija; investigators believe this was a test. On October 13, the devices were activated again in the Santa Venera area, where several messages were exchanged before both were powered down. Finally, on the day of the murder, October 16, the SIM card ending in 3752 was switched on in Bidnija at 1:40am.
10:28 Investigators traced the second phone number to a mobile mast covering the Grand Harbour area in Valletta. They discovered that the SIM card ending in 3752 was not used in a standard phone, but rather in an electronic device designed to receive text messages and trigger a secondary mechanism remotely. Arnaud noted that these devices function similarly to remote systems used for switching on appliances. Both SIM cards were activated in 2017 in Żebbuġ and were found to communicate exclusively with each other, a pattern described as highly unusual for standard mobile usage.
10:23 Arnaud explains that after narrowing down thousands of mobile phone numbers, one specific number drew immediate attention. The victim's phone received a message at 2:58pm and then went offline at 3pm, the exact moment the bomb detonated. Investigators discovered that a second number, 99683752, also powered off at the same time. Records for this device showed no internet activity, as it was used exclusively for calls and texts. Furthermore, investigators determined that just before this phone was switched off, it had received a message from a third number, 99684366. Arnaud stated that these numbers became the primary focus of the investigation.
10:17 Arnaud described the early stages of the inquiry as working in the dark, noting the team's commitment to preserving every potential piece of evidence. Forensic experts eventually confirmed that the explosive used in the assassination was TNT.
10:15 It was noted that the victim had parked her vehicle outside the family home the previous night because she had been sharing a rental car with her son. While inspecting the suspected lookout point, investigators noticed the area was mostly undisturbed, with the exception of a discarded cigarette butt discovered under a tree. This item was treated as vital evidence, collected by forensic officers, and sent for analysis. Forensic expert Marisa Cassar later confirmed that the DNA profile recovered from the cigarette butt belonged to a man.
10:13 Investigators received a significant lead from a local resident near the Victoria Lines. The witness reported seeing a small car with a QZ registration prefix parked in the area repeatedly leading up to the day of the murder. Although the witness could not identify the driver, he noted that the man remained inside the vehicle, observing the surroundings before driving away. The witness added that this vehicle was no longer seen after the explosion, prompting police to launch an investigation into both the car and the individual observed inside it.
10:10 Following the witness's report, investigators searched the identified area and discovered what appeared to be an ideal observation point. They found a collapsed wire fence that provided access to a secluded, hidden spot. From this position, investigators confirmed there was a clear, direct view of the lane leading to the Caruana Galizia home, the gate to her residence, her usual parking spot, and the stretch of road where the detonation occurred.
10:05 Inspector Keith Arnaud explains that investigators identified two potential surveillance locations from which the victim could be monitored discreetly. One was situated along the Victoria Lines overlooking Bidnija, and the other was a garden near the MCAST campus, known as L-Għarusa tal-Mosta, which also provided a clear view of the surrounding area.
10:00 Investigators immediately began examining how the attack was coordinated. Arnaud noted that the perpetrators were clearly watching the victim, as they knew she was inside the car. Consequently, investigators began searching the Bidnija area for vantage points where her movements could have been monitored prior to the detonation.
09:57 Matthew Caruana Galizia reported that his mother had been working on her blog before leaving the house, returning briefly to retrieve a forgotten chequebook, and then driving off again shortly before the explosion. A second Europol team was established at CID headquarters to assist Maltese investigators with the influx of evidence. The crime scene remained sealed for nearly a week, and on the second day, the vehicle was moved to a secure police compound where it was kept under lock, key, and camera surveillance by the inquiring magistrate. Investigators also recovered and successfully extracted data from the victim's mobile phone.
9:55 By identifying a crater in the road, investigators pinpointed the location of the explosion. Using road markings, they reconstructed the vehicle's trajectory as it veered into an adjacent field. The investigation included eyewitness accounts and a magisterial inquiry led by Anthony Vella. Additionally, a Europol explosives expert was brought in to examine the scene and identify the components of the bomb.
9:50 After Matthew Caruana Galizia told investigators his mother had left home only a minute before the blast, police sought help from the FBI to analyse mobile phone mast data. They gathered telecommunications records from local providers to identify thousands of phone numbers connected to nearby towers at the time of the explosion. A key decision was made on the first day to leave the scene untouched until international forensic experts arrived; the area was held under the guard of police and the Armed Forces of Malta to ensure nothing was disturbed.
9:45am Investigators set two main goals: collecting forensic evidence and analyzing telecommunications to understand how the bomb was triggered. Despite the destruction, they quickly determined the device had been placed inside the vehicle, which differed from the placement seen in previous local attacks.
9:40am Inspector Arnaud recounts that on October 16, 2017, he was part of the homicide squad when police were alerted to an incident in Bidnija just before 3pm. Officers prioritized securing the scene, where they soon confirmed the victim to be journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
09:38 Arnaud's testimony has now begun as he explains his current position as Assistant Commissioner in the police's Organised Crime Unit. At the time of the murder, however, he was an inspector and led the investigation alongside his colleague Kurt Zahra.
At 3pm on 16 October 2017, Arnaud was informed of the incident in Bidnija and went straight to the murder scene with Zahra and several district police officers.
The investigation reportedly began like any other, as officers examined the crime scene. The victim was soon identified as journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
It was not the first car bomb attack at the time, and officers knew how to handle the situation, identifying the main lines of inquiry.
The murder weapon, a bomb, was found to have been placed in the victim's car. Arnaud says officers had to sift through the dust and debris while collecting components of the bomb. Another officer focused on establishing how the bomb was activated.
09:33 Police Assistant Commissioner Keith Arnaud enters the courtroom in full uniform.
He is set to testify today, in what is expected to be a lengthy sitting.
09:31 Judge Edwin Grima enters the courtroom.
Nine jurors, together with six substitutes, take their seats.
09:22 It is a calm morning, so far, in Hall 22 as the room fills up ahead of the jurors' entrance.
Lawyers for all parties have taken their seats.
09:08 Yorgen Fenech, who faces charges of complicity in the wilful homicide of journalists Daphne Caruana Galizia and criminal association to commit the murder, arrives at court