Helga Buttigieg Debono has been appointed head of the Anti-Money Laundering and the Combating of Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Unit set up to coordinate the various competent authorities currently involved in the prevention of money laundering and of terrorism financing.

The unit will facilitate the cooperation and sharing of intelligence between the participating stakeholders so that the local system becomes more efficient in the deduction and prevention of all money-laundering related crimes.

It will ensure the stability and integrity of Malta’s economy and serve as the administrative arm of the National Coordinating Committee on AML/CFT. This unit is another step towards respecting the amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, which transposed the Anti-Money Laundering (AML4) Directive.

Dr Buttigieg Debono is a practicing advocate by profession. She also acquired experience in the field after serving as a ranking official in the Malta Police Force within the Economic Crimes Unit and Money Laundering Section where she developed investigative skills, management experience, and prosecution abilities which will help her in her new role.

She served in the Criminal and Civil Courts and is versed in court procedures and litigation. She has also been previously employed as a lawyer with a leading Maltese bank.