A Europol explosives expert detailed the devastating force of the bomb that killed journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017, while other witnesses described a system of cash payments allegedly made to the families of the convicted hitmen, and bank officials testified about financial records involving middleman Melvin Theuma.

Fenech, 44, has pleaded not guilty to two principal charges: complicity in the wilful homicide of Daphne Caruana Galizia and criminal association to commit the murder.

Caruana Galizia, a columnist with The Malta Independent, was killed in a car bomb on 16 October, 2017.

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.

Judge Edwina Grima is presiding.

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16:22: That wraps up our live coverage for today. 

After a session heavily dominated by procedural witnesses formally anchoring their evidence and reports, the sitting has come to an early close.

Thank you for following our live updates today. A full, comprehensive summary of today's courtroom events will be uploaded shortly.

16:16: The prosecution reads out the written testimony of Charmaine Zammit, dating back to 5 April 2021.

Testifying as a representative for Epic plc, Zammit's report details a request by Assistant Commissioner Keith Arnaud in relation to call profiles linked to yet another specific mobile number ending in 9587. This number was registered to Lawrence Cutajar. The representative confirmed that the mobile number in question had been active since its initial registration in 2002.

16:00 According to his written testimony, Aquilina was also tasked with drafting a site layout plan of the crime scene and compiling an inventory of the potato shed in Marsa.

The expert's report partitioned the area into 28 search sectors. He conclusively determined that the fatal device was detonated at the exact moment the victim was driving out of Bidnija.

15:48 Madam Justice Edwina Grima issues a stern warning to the prosecution, declaring, 'This is the last time we are going to waste an afternoon.'

Following the warning, prosecutor Godwin Cini reads out the written deposition of architect Aquilina.

In his report, the architect describes the structural layout of Melvin Theuma's residence in Marsa. He also notes the inspection of several safety deposit boxes belonging to Theuma at the Bank of Valletta.

One of the deposit boxes had to be forcibly opened to be accessed, only to reveal that it was entirely empty.

15:35 When asked if any other police officers were available to testify, the prosecution replied in the negative. However, the court was informed of the upcoming schedule: former Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar and car dealer Edgar Brincat, a close associate of Melvin Theuma, are both slated to take the stand tomorrow.

15:31 The prosecution indicated that they had no further witnesses for the day, a suggestion that Judge Edwina Grima rejected. Noting that six additional witnesses were scheduled to testify, the judge instructed the prosecution to find a way to bring them forward, stating that she would not allow the afternoon to be wasted.

15:20 As Alvin Cardona's testimony comes to an end, digital forensics expert Marco Tolli testifies next via video conference.

Prosecutor Godwin Cini asks the digital forensics expert to testify regarding his involvement with Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder. Tolli explains how he dealt with digital seizures and extractions spanning over 30 reports, starting from 11 October 2018.

Following the end of Tolli's testimony, Marie Claire Tabone takes the witness stand. She tells jurors that she represented Melita Ltd back in 2021.

Tabone mentions that she was requested to conduct call profiles by IT expert Martin Bajada and Assistant Commissioner Keith Arnaud regarding a particular phone number.

On cross-examination, the witness explains that call profiles consist of SMSs, telephone calls and cellular location.  

15:09 During the cross-examination, defence lawyer Charles Mercieca questions the witness regarding an audio file referred to as voice recording "nine." Prosecutor Godwin Cini intervenes, stating that all relevant recordings would be played at a later stage according to the witness at the time.

However, defence lawyer Giannella de Marco objects, insisting that this specific recording be played immediately so the defence could question the witness about its contents on the spot.

"If they weren't relevant, they wouldn't be presented", Giannella de Marco insists.

The voice recording is not heard in court as the witness states that he never heard any of the recordings, and cannot confirm if it is part of his report.

15:01 You might be wondering why Friday's sitting seems more procedural than previous ones. Today's sitting is a far cry from the fiery scenes witnessed when the Degiorgio brothers testified earlier this week. The prosecution spent the morning calling a steady stream of witnesses.

Essentially, if an official has ever so much as touched a document, printout, or bank statement involving the key players in this case like Melvin Theuma, the Degiorgio brothers, or Vince Muscat, they are being brought in to formally verify it for the jury.

It's a tedious but necessary process for such a high-profile case.

14:50 The witness testifies that he had been ordered to photocopy the widely publicised photograph showing Melvin Theuma posing alongside Keith Schembri at Castille. Cardona also confirms that he had photocopied images of certain messages, which were projected onto the television screen in the courtroom.

The specific contents of those messages, however, remain unknown to the press in the gallery.

14:40 We're back in court after the lunch break.

The jurors have filed back in and Alvin Cardona makes his way to the witness stand.

12:36 Court is adjourned to 2.30pm as the prosecution asks for a lunch break.

12:31 Superintendent Rennie Stivala is the next witness called to the stand. Questioned by the prosecution regarding an inquiry titled 'Daphne Leaks', Stivala testifies that on 14 November 2019, he was approached by then-Assistant Commissioner Ian Abdilla, who was in charge of the Financial Crimes Investigation Department (FCID).

Abdilla requested his assistance in an ongoing investigation and instructed him to arrest a man named Ryan Farrugia. Farrugia is the partner of Melvin Theuma's partner's daughter.

Stivala tells the court that officers subsequently searched two of Farrugia's residences, seizing several electronic devices including mobile phones, pen drives, and laptops, as well as €111,460 in cash and €744 in coins.

12:02 Following a cross-examination by defence lawyer Giannella De Marco, highlighting a section of the compliance report noting that Melvin Theuma was flagged as a client of "bad repute," the bank official steps down.

Graziella Attard takes the stand next to testify regarding the printing of transcripts from a pen-drive containing recordings. She clarifies that she had no knowledge of the actual content, explaining that her role was strictly administrative, involving converting the digital soft copy into a physical printout.

11:51 In his report, Baldacchino confirms that Melvin Theuma had signed off on receiving a sum of money from Best Play Gaming Ltd, a gaming company linked to the Tumas Group.

The prosecution references a garnishee order filed by the Caruana Galizia family targeting Melvin Theuma, Yorgen Fenech, Vince Muscat, and the Degiorgio brothers. The witness confirmed that the bank's subsequent compliance report were triggered specifically because of Theuma's involvement in the case.

11:38 Baldacchino, a compliance officer at BNF Bank is asked by prosecutor Godwin Cini regarding a report he had compiled dealing with bank clients of interest, focusing primarily on the account statements of Melvin Theuma.

The prosecution refers the officer to bank statements drafted between Theuma and Tumas Group.

11:24 We're back in court after a short break, whereby the prosecution calls in their next witness Stephen Baldacchino who is testifying via video conference.

10:57 Proceedings pause for a short break. Court is set to resume at 11:15am.

10:49 Shop owner Joseph Brincat takes the stand and is now testifying, questioned by prosecutor Godwin Cini (GC):

GC: What was your line of work?

JB: I ran a shop called White Stars in Marsa. Lawrence Pace used to frequent it a lot. He wanted to know about the Degiorgio brothers, and I knew them.

GC: Did you know Mario Degiorgio?

JB: For quite a long time.

GC: Did you pass the money to Mario?

JB: Yes, yes, to Mario.

GC: How much was the amount?

JB: Between €200 and €300. I'm not entirely sure, but definitely not more than that.

GC: Who was in prison at the time and how was that €300 divided among the three?

JB: The Degiorgio brothers and Vince Muscat. I don't know, maybe €100 each. I just passed the money on to Mario and he would give me a receipt after he visited the three at prison, and I would pass that receipt back to Lawrence.

10:42 Following the lawyers' questioning, a juror poses their own question to the witness to clarify the cash-delivery process.

Pace explains that Melvin Theuma would hand him the €300, which Pace then passed to Joseph Brincat. Brincat would deliver the money to the families and obtain a receipt.

Brincat would then return the receipt to prove the transaction had occurred-sometimes passing it directly to Theuma, and other times giving it to Pace to pass along.

Defence lawyer Giannella De Marco takes over the questioning of Lawrence Pace:

GD: These incidents in Siġġiewi-when did they happen?"

LP: It was quite a long time ago.

GD: You said Joseph [Brincat] would pass on a receipt. What did it say on it?"

LP: The amount of money I had handed over.

GD: Was your name on the receipt?

LP: I don't know. I don't know how to read very well.

10:33 The court hears about a series of mysterious cash deliveries that occurred before the hitmen were arrested. 

Before going to prison, Vince Muscat (il-Koħħu) had never directly asked Lawrence Pace for money. Pace was at the Ta' Rafael outlet in Ħamrun when Muscat arrived and asked him to tag along for an errand. Muscat drove them to Siġġiewi.

Upon arrival, Muscat saw a car approaching whereby he handed Pace some small envelopes containing cash, which Pace estimates was about €400, and told him to give them to the people in the car. Muscat did not explain what the money was for.

The person in the car handed Pace a receipt, which Pace then gave to Muscat.  Around nine months later, the exact same transaction took place in the Siġġiewi square involving a small grey car, and a receipt was again exchanged. Pace tells the court this happened two or three times in total, after which he refused to participate any further.

10:27

Prosecutor Godwin Cini zeroes in on the financial pipeline used to send hundreds of euros to the families of Vince Muscat and the Degiorgio brothers while they were behind bars by Melvin Theuma.

GC: So, you used to give the money to Joseph Brincat, known as iż-Żikku, the owner of the shop, who would then pass it on to the prisoners' families, right?

Lawrence Pace (LP): Yes, yes, correct.

GC: Were these amounts €300 each time?

LP: Yes, they always stayed the same, for three times. 

GC: How did you prove to Melvin Theuma that you had indeed passed on the money?

LP: Joseph would pass the money to the prisoners' families, and a receipt would be produced.

10:18 Lawrence Pace, known as il-Lolly, is the next witness to take the stand.

He tells the court that he grew up in Marsa and Vince Muscat, known as "il-Koħħu" was his neighbour. He also confirms knowing Alfred Degiorgio and George Degiorgio. 

Prosecuting lawyer Godwin Cini (GC) questions the witness (LP) about his police interrogation:

GC: Were you interrogated by the police regarding any other individuals?

LP: Yes, Melvin Theuma.

GC: Did you know him from Marsa?

LP: Yes, we used to meet in Ħamrun and at a gas shop.

GC: When were you interrogated by the police, and where were those three [Muscat and the Degiorgios] at the time?

LP: It was in 2019, and they were in prison.

10:11 Prosecuting lawyer Godwin Cini directs the anti-terrorism expert to illustrations of the explosive device. Cmarec explains that, due to the sheer extent of the blast damage, it was impossible to link this specific explosive to any known pre-manufactured models.

Referring to illustrations not visible to the press in the gallery, the expert pointed to the right side of the diagrams in the report, which outlined findings sharing similar characteristics to the components recovered from the crime scene.

The prosecution asks how a GSM relay controller can be adapted to trigger an explosive device, whereby Cmarec explains that these electronic modules are designed to hold a SIM card and communicate with cellular networks via an antenna.

While they are commonly used for standard domestic appliances, such as opening garage doors or controlling home appliances, they can easily be repurposed. The module allows communication between a mobile phone and the device via an SMS command or a specific text code.

Once that signal is received, the controller switches an electrical circuit on or off, which can be used to initiate the detonator.

9:58 The recovered metal fragments were categorised into different sub-groups to reconstruct the device. The witness stipulates that the explosive featured a metal plate, which formed part of the casing's side walls, and a container designed to hold all the components together.

This container was secured to the metal plate with bolts, placing the plate in direct contact with the main explosive charge.

The device's components included an initiator and an activation system, among others. Cmarec reiterates that such improvised devices often feature specialised containers to hold the mechanism in place. This type of casing serves a dual purpose, whereby it keeps the components secure and acts as shrapnel, creating heavy fragmentation to maximise blast damage to the surroundings.

09:51 The anti-terrorism expert tells the jurors that the explosive consisted of TNT combined with pyrotechnic elements, with the total weight of the charge estimated at between 300 and 400 grams.

The sheer force of this detonation tore an exceptionally large 90x90cm hole in the metal floorboard directly beneath the victim's seat. He explains that the lethal ranges of the explosives calculated are more than enough to cause death to the individual sitting in the driver's seat.

9:42 The witness notes that from the outside of the vehicle, one could see obvious damage consistent with an explosion, noting that there are several distinct types of blasts.

He emphasises that when he and other investigators searched the vehicle, they found clear damage supporting the hypothesis that the detonation involved a solid-phase explosive.

The Europol expert explains that the way the vehicle's metal panels had buckled and peeled outward indicated that the blast force originated from within the vehicle, indicating that the explosive device was placed inside Daphne Caruana Galizia's car. To confirm this and pinpoint the exact seat of the explosion, investigators removed the driver's seat to closely examine the floorboard.

09:31 The witness explains that he met the members of the Malta Police Force tasked with preserving the collected evidence.  He states that the vehicle had been stored in a specialised garage, where he was able to conduct a comprehensive forensic examination.

Prosecuting lawyer Godwin Cini directs the witness to the section of his report detailing the examination and crime scene findings. Cmarec explains the key factors considered in the investigation: the type of explosion, the type of explosives used, the placement of the charge, and the nature of the device itself. He notes that the explosive device had left a vast field of debris and fragments, much of which was scattered immediately adjacent to the vehicle.

9:30 Introducing himself as an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialist, Cmarec tells the court that he has worked on numerous high-profile explosives investigations throughout his career. Between 2014 and 2023, he was stationed at Europol.

Prosecuting lawyer Godwin Cini directed the witness to his investigative report, titled "Bidnija Malta." Cmarec confirms that he drafted this report for the inquiring magistrate Anthony Vella following the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Cmarec testifies that he was tasked by Europol to support the Maltese authorities. He explains that he arrived in Malta in November 2017, where he met with Magistrate Vella tasked with analysing the vehicle and all physical evidence recovered from the crime scene.

9:17 First witness of the day is Mario Cmarec, an explosives expert from Europol's anti-terrorism section, who is testifying via video link.  

9.12am Judge Edwina Grima has entered the courtroom.