FinTelegram brought the Maltese scandal surrounding the privatization of three hospitals and Vitals Global Healthcare (VGH) in early March 2023. Now OCCRP has picked up the story, reporting on the misuse of millions and the personal enrichment of the people behind VGH, including its former CEO, Sri Ram Tumuluri. Funds were also funneled to Joseph Muscat, the former Prime Minister of Malta. The Maltese corruption seems to know hardly borders.
The €4-billion privatization deal was the largest a Maltese government ever struck with the private sector. It ended before the courts. A Maltese judge rescinded the deal after finding it fraudulent throughout. The original concession for running three hospitals was given to Vitals Global Healthcare, which sold it to Steward Health Care. The Medical Association of Malta (MUM) has warned about the fraudulent deal signed in 2015 and co-financed by the state-controlled Bank of Valetta.