Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) Director Kenneth Farrugia this week received an award from U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Gwendolyn "Wendy" Green for his efforts in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The award, which was presented to him on Tuesday evening, recognises his “tireless work behind the scenes in exposing financial crime, money laundering, and tax evasion,” the FIAU explained. It is presented to individuals who work hard and “at times against the odds” to ensure the fight against financial crime is “ongoing and effective”.

Since Mr Farrugia joined the FIAU in 2017, he has worked to make it "stronger and more knowledgeable", as well as one that is “at the forefront of doing things right”.

Through strong collaboration with a number of partners in the field, he was key to supporting Malta’s efforts to successfully surpass the FATF evaluation process.

The FIAU concluded by congratulating Mr Farrugia for the prestigious award.

Since joining the FIAU in 2017, he has provided strategic direction to the agency’s various sections. Mr Farrugia, along with the FIAU’s management team, initiated a process of restructuring of its overall operations to ensure it meets the challenges emerging from money laundering and terrorism financing risks in Malta in a better manner.

Over the course of his career, he held audit positions both within private audit firms and the public sector. Prior to joining the FIAU, he was engaged within the Government’s Internal Audit and Investigations Department for nine years, and as from November 2017, he headed it as Director General. He is vastly experienced in internal audit, risk management and financial investigations, among others.

He is a Certified Public Accountant and a fellow member of the Malta Institute of Accountants as well as the Malta Forum of Internal Auditors. Mr Farrugia holds a Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons) and a Master of Arts in Business Ethics.

Established in 2002, the FIAU is the national central agency responsible for the collection, collation, processing, analysis and dissemination of information in order to combat money laundering and the funding of terrorism in Malta.