Joseph Fenech, known as Żeppi l-Ħafi, dies aged 71
He was one of the most controversial figures in Malta’s criminal and political history
One of the most controversial figures in Malta’s criminal and political history, Joseph Fenech, died on Friday aged 71.
Known as Żeppi l-Ħafi, Fenech came to national prominence in 1996 when he was granted a presidential pardon over the attempted murder of then prime minister Eddie Fenech Adami's personal assistant Richard Cachia Caruana.
Fenech was a bodyguard of Fenech Adami in the 1980s. Former President Ugo Mifsud Bonnici had given him the pardon on a recommendation by Fenech Adami and on condition that he testifies in the case and helps the police.
He did give evidence, but his testimony was not enough to convict Meinrad Calleja, the man he identified as the mastermind behind the plot to kill Cachia Caruana.
In 2009, he invoked the pardon for the attempted murder, and two other pending cases: a cocaine trafficking case and a burglary.
All three cases were dropped.
The following year, he was acquitted of fraud charges in connection with a failed property transaction in Burmarrad
In 2012, he was further acquitted of damaging a car and slightly injuring a man during a fight two years prior.
His funeral will be held on Tuesday.