The Malta Police Force (MPF), established in 1814, is one of the oldest police forces in Europe, with over two centuries of service to the Maltese Islands. Guided by its mission statement — “To provide a professional and trusted policing service to ensure safety and security in partnership with the community” - the MPF continues to evolve to meet modern challenges. The Transformation Strategy 2020–2025 is driving reforms to modernise operations, strengthen community trust and enhance specialised capabilities. Within this framework, the Financial Crimes Investigations Department (FCID) plays a pivotal role in combating complex and emerging threats.

The Financial Crimes Investigations Department (FCID) is a specialised department within the MPF tasked with investigating major financial crimes under Maltese jurisdiction. The Department is led by an Assistant Commissioner who oversees two primary Squads:

The Economic Crimes Squad, responsible for probes into corruption, sports corruption, gaming-related offenses, customs and excise fraud, counterfeit currency and intellectual property rights violations, online fraud, and cases falling under the European Public Prosecutor’s Office jurisdiction.

The Anti-Money Laundering/Terrorism Financing Squad, which focuses on complex investigations related to money laundering, fiscal crimes, block chain analysis, terrorism financing, and sanctions enforcement.

Each Squad is managed by a Superintendent of Police. Supporting these efforts, the Financial Crimes Investigations Department (FCID) includes units such as the Financial Crimes Analysis Unit and the International Matters and Networks Office, which assist with investigative processes.

Liaison officers within the Financial Crimes Investigations Department (FCID) facilitate collaboration with key entities engaged in combating financial crime, including the Asset Recovery Bureau of Malta (ARB), the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU), the National Coordinating Committee on Combating Money Laundering and Funding of Terrorism (NCC), the Malta Business Registry (MBR), the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), and the Internal Audit and Investigations Department of the Office of the Prime Minister (IAID).

In September 2020, the Financial Crimes Investigations Department (FCID) relocated to newly established premises, with an investment of €2 million and an annual operating cost of €500,000. The facility accommodates approximately 120 officers and is equipped with enhanced interrogation rooms, improved training facilities, and heightened security measures.

A strategic priority in 2020 was the expansion of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit, which grew from four to twelve investigative teams. Additionally, a dedicated tax crime investigation team was formed, alongside eight teams addressing fraud, corruption, and other financial offenses. This unit has become the largest investigative body within the MPF.

Financial investigators receive ongoing specialist training both domestically and abroad, covering topics such as anti-corruption, blockchain analysis, money laundering and terrorism financing, asset recovery, dark web and cryptocurrency investigations, match-fixing, cyber-enabled financial crimes, and virtual asset seizures.

The Financial Crimes Investigations Department (FCID) represents the Malta Police Force in major international networks dedicated to fostering cooperation among countries worldwide in the fight against financial and organised crime.

Source: Malta Police Force, Malta