An extensive online fraud investigation carried out by the Malta Police Financial Crime Investigations Department on the 2nd February 2026, led to the arrest of a 25-year-old woman and an 82-year-old man.
The police said that the woman is suspected of being the principal local actor in an online fraud scheme through which she had allegedly impersonated a local bank.
“To date, the Police have identified approximately 200 victims, who collectively suffered losses amounting to €1 million. Police investigations have linked the woman to an international criminal network with links to Ireland and the United Kingdom.”
In coordination with Europol, and the Irish and UK authorities, a simultaneous operation was carried out on 2nd February 2026.
“During the operation, the Malta Police seized €8,000 in cash from a residence in Paola, while another search in Qrendi resulted in the seizure of several mobile phones and electronic devices. Searches conducted by the Irish Garda resulted in the seizure of multiple mobile phones and electronic devices. Police investigations are still ongoing.”