The Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation has formally established an independent Board of Inquiry to examine serious allegations of fraud and misappropriation of public funds at the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). The Board has been constituted under the provisions of the Inquiries Act (Cap. 273 of the Laws of Malta) and will operate with full independence.
Minister Clifton Grima appointed Judge Emeritus Antonio Mizzi as Chairman, joined by two additional members, to oversee the investigative process. The inquiry’s terms of reference are focused on key areas of governance and accountability, including:
– Establishing the facts relating to MCAST’s payroll processes, procedures, and systems, and identifying any administrative, civil, or criminal liabilities where they exist.
– Investigating links between actions or decisions taken by MCAST officials and the case of fraud and misappropriation.
– Assessing current systems to determine whether they provide adequate safeguards and detection mechanisms against maladministration or fraudulent activity.
– Providing recommendations—both regulatory and administrative—to strengthen transparency, governance, and accountability at MCAST.
The Board is authorised to appoint experts where necessary and is required to submit its conclusions and recommendations to the Minister within six weeks from its formal appointment.
The Ministry emphasised that the inquiry process will not interfere with ongoing investigations or legal proceedings related to the case. Minister Grima reiterated that MCAST’s institutional autonomy will be respected throughout, with the inquiry being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry’s Internal Audit and Compliance Directorate and supported by the Internal Audit and Investigations Department (IAID).
This inquiry represents a decisive step toward addressing the systemic issues that may have allowed serious financial wrongdoing to occur within one of Malta’s leading educational institutions.
Document attached 👇
