The Security Service’s second-in-command has stepped down just a year into the job. Contacted yesterday by Times of Malta, Mark Galea cited personal reasons for his decision but would not say more.

However, sources told this newspaper that, at times, Mr Galea and his superior, former assistant police commissioner Michael Cassar, were on different wavelengths and this was reflected in their working relationship.

Mr Galea’s departure took many by surprise, given his experience in the intelligence service.

The explosives expert had served in the service for more than a decade before leaving in 2012 to take a job with German multi­national Siemens.

He returned last year to take up the post of deputy chief following the change in government, which triggered a shake-up.

More on Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com.

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