The director of a gaming company with headquarters in Malta is currently in court after it was claimed that he took money from a customer's account. Despite the best efforts of his defense team, Andrew Martin Jones has reportedly been charged in the case and had his assets frozen.
Jones, a citizen of the United Kingdom, is accused of a variety of serious offenses, including embezzlement, fraudulently obtaining money, using other deceptive tactics, committing accounting crimes, and money laundering. He entered a not guilty plea despite evidence to the contrary.

There are many blanks in the case's history, including the date of the theft and the name of the gaming company. However, based on what has been revealed, Jones allegedly stole at least $1 million.

Payment Indicates Not Guilty

Years after an unnamed client filed a criminal complaint alleging that the gaming operator stole her money, this saga came to light. Jones was charged as a result of the investigation's subsequent thorough review of the financial transactions.

A court date was set for this week as a result. Jones' attorneys, Giannella de Marco and Charles Mercieca, attempted to defend their client from an asset freeze order using a dubious strategy.

They argued that the "outstanding balance" owed, which was €910,000 (US$980,343), had already been settled, negating the need for the freeze. Their defense essentially consisted of no contact, no foul. They added that the complainant ultimately withdrew their initial complaint, using it as evidence of a mutually acceptable resolution to the dispute.

The presiding judge Yana Micallef Stafrace approved the asset freeze even though Jones received compensation and the complaint was dropped. However, for the time being, Jones will not be going to jail. He was released on bail after posting a €25,000 (US$26,932) bond.

Jones is additionally required to personally show up each week to sign a "bail book" until his subsequent court date. Most police stations keep a register like this in an effort to prevent people from fleeing the law while they're out on bail.

There is some outside data to shed light on Jones even though much of the case is still a mystery. According to Offshore Leaks and its database on the Paradise Papers, MIGS Limited and Aliquantum Gaming Ltd., he is listed as the director of Plus 5 Gaming.

But from that point on, confusion returns. On the list of licensees maintained by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), none of the company names are listed. Additionally fruitless is a search for the entities' license numbers. An email inquiry for more information received no response from the MGA.

The gaming industry in Malta Under the Lights

Malta has long been a significant center for the industry, but it might have matured too quickly. Scandals involving bribery, corruption, and other criminal activity have affected all facets of society and even reached the highest levels of government.

Iosif Galea, allegedly a "gaming consultant" in another ongoing case, was recently released on bail after being charged with serious financial crimes, embezzlement, and misuse of electronic equipment. 

The case involving Jason Farrugia, the former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the MGA, is the basis for these accusations. Even after he was fired, it's possible that Farrugia continued to access sensitive records outside the bounds of his permission.

Farrugia was consequently suspended, having his business accounts effectively frozen, and authorities had to step in. The investigation also allegedly revealed a connection to Galea.

Galea, a former employee of the MGA, and Farrugia had a number of conversations. Galea is suspected of sending a sizable sum of money to Farrugia and his spouse as they were in the midst of negotiations for a new business partnership.

Galea was recently extradited from Germany to Malta after serving time for tax evasion-related charges. He recently appeared in court in Malta, where he was granted bail.

Galea is required to appear three times per week, whereas Jones is only required to appear once per week to sign the bail book. Additionally, he had to offer a €15,000 ($16,159) guarantee.

In order to continue the case, Galea is scheduled to return to court in September.