Malta to criminalize prison mobile phone possession

Malta’s Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield has announced plans to introduce legislation that would criminalize the possession and smuggling of mobile phones within prisons. This move follows a police investigation at the Corradino Correctional Facility, where three mobile phones were discovered in inmate cells.

The investigation involves inmates George Degiorgio, Robert Agius, and Italian national Damiano Torrisi. Preliminary inquiries suggest the devices may have been used to discuss a botched drug deal, and police are also investigating allegations that the inmates were planning a serious crime from within the facility.

Minister Bedingfield noted that while possessing a mobile phone currently breaches prison regulations, it is not a criminal offense. To address this security gap, he has requested legal amendments and announced the establishment of a Professional Standards Unit to oversee prison security. The investigation into the mobile phones and the associated criminal activity remains ongoing.