US Government bans Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi from travel over ‘significant corruption’

Malta’s now infamous Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi have both been issued a travel ban by the US Government due to their involvement in “significant corruption”.

The travel ban comes in the form of a “public designation”, a move under US law that effectively bans the individual from entering the country.

“In their official capacities as Minister of Energy and Conservation of Water and Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, Mizzi and Schembri were involved in corrupt acts that included using their political influence and official power for their personal benefit. 

“Specifically, there is credible information that Mizzi and Schembri were involved in a corrupt scheme that entailed the award of a government contract for the construction of a power plant and related services in exchange for kickbacks and bribes. Their actions undermined rule of law and the Maltese public’s faith in their government’s democratic institutions and public processes.”

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price, in the statement, also clarified that the US Government is also designating Mr Mizzi and Mr Schembri’s immediate family members: Mr Mizzi’s wife, Sai Mizzi Liang, and his two minor children; Mr Schembri’s wife, Josette Schembri Vella, his daughter Juliana Schembri Vella, and his minor child.

This effectively bans the families of Mr Mizzi and Mr Schembri from travel to the US.

“This designation reaffirms the U.S. commitment to supporting the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions in Malta.  The Department will continue to use authorities like this to promote accountability for corrupt actors in this region and globally.”