https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/346 2026-05-24T17:15:44Z 2026-05-24T17:15:44Z Vella, Mary Grace https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146582 2026-05-20T08:31:32Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: From imprisonment to reintegration : an analysis of Malta's parole system Authors: Vella, Mary Grace Abstract: This article presents an analysis of Malta’s parole system, established through the Restorative Justice Act (2012) as a mechanism for the conditional, pre-expiration release of convicted offenders from incarceration. Rooted in the historical concept of parole d’honneur, parole in its current form constitutes a formal, legally enforceable contract wherein an offender’s early release is contingent upon their strict adherence to stipulated licence conditions. This post-custodial phase mandates community supervision aimed at sustaining the individual’s rehabilitation and reintegration. Parole acts as a crucial transitional mechanism, bridging the gap between total deprivation of liberty and unconditional freedom. Unlike remission, which provides a largely unsupervised and automatic reduction of the custodial sentence (generally at two-thirds of the term), parole is a more discretionary yet advantageous measure requiring the inmate to demonstrate a more proactive engagement to reform and desistance. The system aligns with evolving penal philosophies by extending beyond the purely retributive and incapacitative functions of imprisonment to embrace principles of rehabilitation and restorative justice. The research methodology employs a longitudinal analysis of the Annual Reports of the Malta Parole Board to analyse key operational metrics concerning parole uptake, including the balance between licence grants and refusals, duration of parole licences, offender and offense characteristics, and the standard conditions appended to parole licenses. Furthermore, the study quantifies the system’s effectiveness through its success, suspension, and revocation rates. While recognizing parole’s efficacy in lowering the probability of recidivism through supervised release, the analysis also addresses significant systemic challenges. The paper concludes with evidence-based recommendations for potential reforms and improvements in operational praxis to optimize the system’s impact on public protection and offender reintegration.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145801 2026-04-21T13:52:20Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Experts' perspectives on youth radicalisation in Malta Abstract: This research explores the factors contributing to youth radicalisation in Malta, focusing on the social, psychological, and environmental influences that shape adolescent vulnerability to extremist ideologies. It seeks to understand why some youths may be attracted to radical narratives, particularly within a local context that has received limited scholarly attention. Using a qualitative design, the study draws on expert interviews with nine professionals from education, criminology, psychology, law enforcement and policymaking. Thematic analysis was employed to examine how radicalisation is understood, which push and pull factors are perceived as most influential and how experts believe vulnerable youths can be supported. As part of this research process, a conceptual mind map was developed to visually represent the core dynamics influencing radicalisation across different stages of youth development. Findings indicate that Islamist and Far-right ideologies emerged as primary concerns among professionals, alongside rising concerns about misogyny, homophobia, and other emerging manifestations of intolerance and extremist sentiment. Participants also emphasised the influence of online content, perceived identity-based grievances, and social alienation as contributing factors. Prevention was viewed as most effective when grounded in education, early intervention, and stronger inter-agency collaboration across institutions. The research suggests that radicalisation in Malta is shaped by both individual vulnerabilities and broader systematic pressures. It concludes that addressing these challenges requires a more coordinated, youth-focused approach that reflects the specific realities of the local context. These findings have important implications for enhancing early intervention through crime prevention strategies, strengthening professional training, and informing more effective policies aimed at reducing the risk of youth radicalisation. Description: M.A. (Crim.)(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145800 2026-04-21T13:49:40Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Malta Police Force collaborative investigations into organised crime : challenges & solutions Abstract: This research aimed to examine the collaborative investigations conducted by the Malta Police Force (MPF) against organised crime (OC) locally, doing so by assessing the level of collaborative investigations and investigative challenges faced by the MPF in conducting collaborative investigations against OC and to provide the solutions for the challenges in collaboratively investigating OC locally. The research methodology was qualitative. Interviewing 10 participants from 5 different stakeholders. The primary data was analysed through thematic analysis from which three main themes emerged. The main themes were “It takes a Network to Defeat a Network”, “The Power of the Law” and “Resources”. With these themes providing a comprehensive understanding of interunit, interagency and international collaboration in OC investigations. Subsequently, identifying challenges alongside their solutions related to collaborative OC investigations. The main findings included that Malta is capable of conducting collaborative investigations against OC but which are inhibited by legal inadequacies, resources limitations, and social challenges such as ego, trust and competition. With their solutions including legal amendments, strategic resource management, soft skill training, adoption of operational security measures amongst other solutions. Recommendations are also provided for future academic research, including more in depth research regarding this research’s factors. With further research including supplementary quantitative research and comparative qualitative research. Moreover, a vast list of policy recommendations to address the identified challenges is provided. With such policy recommendations including the setting up of a national strategy, a national OC coordinator, legal amendments for Maltese legal procedures in investigatory and protectional aspects of OC cases, as well as investment in human and physical resources for all stakeholders. Overall, this research comprehensively examined collaborative investigations against OC locally. Establishing positive factors of local OC investigations but also the areas where they can be improved, by addressing the challenges of OC investigations experienced locally. Description: M.A. (Crim.)(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145799 2026-04-21T13:45:51Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Cash restrictions : effectiveness on combatting money laundering and terrorism finance in Malta Abstract: This dissertation evaluates the effectiveness of Malta’s Use of Cash (Restriction) Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 373.04) in addressing money laundering and terrorism financing. It examines the enforcement mechanisms and regulatory challenges associated with the legislation. Additionally, it considers the effects of the new European Union Regulation (EU) 2024/1624. Through qualitative analysis and stakeholder insights, the research identifies key deficiencies and proposes recommendations to enhance compliance and enforcement, contributing to ongoing policy discussions on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. The research includes a comparative analysis of Malta’s regulations with both international and EU frameworks, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders explore compliance practices, enforcement challenges, and the unintended consequences of cash restrictions. Findings reveal that while Subsidiary Legislation 373.04 provides a foundation for restricting illicit cash transactions; its effectiveness is limited by enforcement issues, regulatory gaps, and public misconceptions. To ensure the research credibility, a methodology was used that incorporated multiple strategies. A semi-structured interview framework, based on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing literature, guided data collection, and pilot testing refined the interview schedule for clarity. A reflexive approach, incorporating memoing and peer debriefing, minimised bias and enhanced objectivity. Thematic analysis, facilitated by coding frameworks and software tools such as NVivo, enhanced transparency. Ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and GDPR compliance, were followed. The research also evaluates Malta’s alignment with the EU-wide cash transaction limit under Regulation (EU) 2024/1624, noting that Malta’s experience can aid in adapting to the harmonised framework. However, the findings suggest that a one-size-fits-all EU regulation could be undermined if national-level enforcement mechanisms remain weak, particularly in member states lacking adequate training, digital infrastructure, or inter-agency coordination. The research proposes reforms in Maltese legislation, including enhanced data collection, specialised task forces, public education, improved inter-agency collaboration, stricter enforcement mechanisms, clearer guidelines on exemptions, and revisions to penalty structures to strengthen cash restriction implementation and ensure compliance with EU regulations. Description: M.A. (Crim.)(Melit.)

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z