No criminal activity found in prison laptop probe, but security gaps exposed

An internal inquiry into the unauthorised use of a laptop at the Corradino Correctional Facility has found no evidence of criminal activity but uncovered significant security shortcomings. The investigation, ordered by Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield and led by retired Judge Antonio Mizzi, concluded that weaknesses in procedures allowed a life-sentenced inmate to access the internet from his cell.

The laptop was seized from the cell of Adrian Agius, a member of the Tal-Maksar gang serving a life sentence for the murder of lawyer Carmel Chircop. Agius had been granted permission to use the device in May 2024, but security measures requiring sealed USB ports and disabled Wi-Fi were breached when the seals were unlawfully removed.

A forensic examination found that the inmate had downloaded a considerable number of pornographic films from the internet. Despite the breach, the inquiry found no evidence of criminal activity beyond the security violations.

The full report will not be published due to the sensitive nature of prison security operations. However, Minister Bedingfield has forwarded the report to the Police Commissioner for consideration as part of an ongoing police investigation.

The inquiry recommended clearer policies for laptop use by inmates, including mandatory risk assessments and regular inspections of electronic devices. Bedingfield thanked the inquiry board and correctional officers for their vigilance, adding that some had been ‘quick to jump to conclusions for partisan purposes.’

Article and image source: independent.com.mt