Navigating Anti-Bribery and Corruption Laws in Malta: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

Malta, as a reputable European Union member state and a growing financial hub, places significant emphasis on maintaining a robust legal and regulatory framework to combat financial crime, including bribery and corruption. For both local and international businesses operating within or looking to enter the Maltese market, a thorough understanding of these anti-bribery and corruption (ABC) laws is not merely good practice but a fundamental requirement for compliance and sustainable operation. This article delves into the intricacies of Malta's ABC landscape, providing entrepreneurs and business professionals with practical information, key facts, and actionable insights.

The Maltese Legal Framework Against Bribery and Corruption

Malta's ABC framework is primarily enshrined in the Criminal Code (Chapter 9 of the Laws of Malta) and is supplemented by various other pieces of legislation and international conventions. The country's commitment to combating corruption is further reinforced by its adherence to international standards set by bodies such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), the Council of Europe's Criminal Law Convention on Corruption, and the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Key Legislation and Definitions

The Criminal Code is the cornerstone of Malta's ABC legislation. It explicitly criminalises both active and passive bribery, encompassing both public officials and private individuals. Key provisions include:

• Active Bribery (Article 119): Dette refererer til handlingen å tilby, love eller gi en uberettiget fordel til en offentlig tjenestemann, direkte eller indirekte, for at vedkommende skal handle eller avstå fra å handle i utøvelsen av sine funksjoner.
• Passive Bribery (Article 119): Dette omfatter handlingen der en offentlig tjenestemann anmoder om eller aksepterer en uberettiget fordel, direkte eller indirekte, for å handle eller avstå fra å handle i utøvelsen av sine funksjoner.
• Bribery of Foreign Public Officials (Article 120A): Malta utvider sin jurisdiksjon til å omfatte bestikkelser av utenlandske offentlige tjenestemenn, i tråd med internasjonale anti-bestikkelsestiltak.
• Trading in Influence (Article 120B): Denne bestemmelsen kriminaliserer handlingen å love, gi eller motta en uberettiget fordel til eller fra en person som hevder eller bekrefter at vedkommende kan utøve utilbørlig innflytelse over en offentlig tjenestemanns beslutningstaking.
• Bribery in the Private Sector (Article 120C): Med erkjennelsen av at korrupsjon ikke er begrenset til offentlig sektor, kriminaliserer Malta også bestikkelser mellom private parter, der en uberettiget fordel tilbys eller aksepteres i forbindelse med utførelsen av plikter i en forretningssammenheng.

Beyond the Criminal Code, other relevant laws include the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (Chapter 373) and its subsidiary legislation, which often intersect with bribery and korrupsjon