https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36266 2026-04-04T22:55:03Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41239 Title: A practical approach to the 4th money laundering directive and its impact on the gaming industry Abstract: This dissertation focuses on the effect of the European Union’s 4th Anti-Money Laundering Directive with particular interest on its impact on the gaming industy in Malta. The research study noted that the gaming industry is particularly susceptible to money laundering and creates an opportunity for criminals to create front companies with the aim of laundering proceeds of crime. The research was conducted through the triangulation method, a combination of semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals working within the Maltese gaming industry; whilst questionnaires were also distributed to various operators, both land-based and remote gaming operators. These methods were chosen to acquire knowledge through the perspective of professionals working within the gaming industry and the perspective of operators to identify what measures their companies have adopted or are in the process of adopting in line with the requirements of the 4th AMLD. Such was deemed vital especially with the major change for the gaming industry wherein remote gaming operators, who provide online gambling services, have become subject persons. The study concluded that since this research study was conducted during the transposition period of the 4th AMLD, most operators are not yet compliant with these regulations but are still in the process of upgrading and improving their systems. Findings indicate that with current ongoing inspections being carried out by the MGA’s AML team, operators are becoming more aware of their obligations and are being guided on how to update their policies and procedures accordingly. It is being suggested that further research is conducted in the near future with respect to the upcoming European Union’s 5th Anti Money Laundering Directive, also known as an amendment to the 4th AMLD, and the impact of cryptocurrencies on crime within the Maltese gaming industry. Description: M.A.CRIMINOLOGY 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41237 Title: An analysis of the different crime prevention measures and technological tools aimed at countering terrorism Abstract: In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, terrorism moved from being under-reported to gaining what could be described as “way too much” media exposure. The recent terrorist attacks, including the Paris, Brussels and London attacks (2015, 2017 and 2018 respectively), had Europe shaking in fear. These unexpected attacks caused security organisations to modernise their security systems and invest in even more advanced technologies in order to be able to fights this serious threat of terrorism. One of the aims of this study was to look into criminological theories and define terrorism. Another aim was to identify which crime prevention measures and technological tools are currently existent and which of these are currently being used, particularly by the Maltese organisations, to fight terrorism. The study sought to learn which policies are in place to counteract terrorism and what contingency plan, in case of a terrorist attack, is in place, here in Malta. By speaking to five specifically chosen security organisations and with the general public, a general understanding of how these organisations and the public view terrorism was gained and is here presented. This study makes reference to an unpublished dissertation by Dr. Trevor Calafato and, utilising the quantitative and qualitative methods, seeks to gain answers to questions similar to those posed in that study. The acquired results were then compared to those acquired in Dr. Calafato’s (2006) unpublished dissertation titled, ‘Investigating the capabilities and preparedness of Maltese Security forces in dealing with terrorists’ incidents manifested in Maltese territory’ to gain better insight on whether perspectives or policies have changed along the years. The results of this study indicate, among other things, that whilst there is always room for improvement, security organisations in Malta are striving to implement modern technology, to give importance to sharing of intelligence and are doing their utmost to prevent and be prepared in the eventuality of a terrorist attack. The public seems however to be, mostly, unaware of these facts. The results obtained were eventually used to identify recommendations which can be applied by the security organisations in order to further improve Malta’s fight against terrorism. Description: M.A.CRIMINOLOGY 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41227 Title: Stalking victims : the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in Malta Abstract: The focal point in this research is to identify the effectiveness of the criminal justice system with regards to stalking cases in Malta. Such research is essential to identify the strengths and weakness of the stakeholders involved: that is the police and the criminal justice system. The research adopted a qualitative approach using semi structured interviews with a magistrate and police Vice Squad Unit inspectors. The findings in this study suggest that the police are not always consistent in their evaluation of stalking incidents and do not know what course of conduct to follow. Reports were also incorrectly classified while being processed in the National Police System. This dissertation recommends that there is a need for effective police training in acknowledging the crime’s criteria as well as training in managing and assisting victims of crime with empathy and understanding. Training is also needed with regards to prosecution techniques to avoid errors in court resulting in denial of justice. Other recommendations include that the structure of the court is adjusted to protecting the victim from being exposed to the offender, and the introduction of the electronic tag system to monitor stalkers. The presence and interaction of other professionals such as psychologists, as part of the initial investigation is a recommendation emerging from this study. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/41226 Title: Munchausen's by proxy : a study conducted within a local context Abstract: The aim of this study is to research the rare phenomenon of Munchausen's Syndrome By Proxy (MSBP) and apply it to a local context. Local research on the topic is scarce and thus the researcher wanted to focus on why MSBP is a taboo subject. Apart from the lack of awareness, the study also goes into detail regarding the two main debates concerning the topic. First, there is the conflict of whether MSBP is more of a mental illness than child abuse, and secondly, whether MSBP is more of a product of genetics or environmental influences (Nature versus Nurture). Besides, the study also goes into the secondary themes of MSBP – specifically, offender profiles, MSBP treatment, the impact of technology and the controversies of past research. To highlight the local research used in this study, four Maltese professionals coming from medical and social work backgrounds were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. They were asked on their experiences in learning about MSBP as well as tackling such cases. Moreover, these professionals were required to provide their opinions regarding the MSBP themes mentioned above. The findings gathered were compared and contrasted with what the study has researched on the field. Hence, this study has incorporated a variety of criminological, medical, psychological and sociological perspectives in order to uncover the different layers of MSBP. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z