Antonio Abdilla Zerafa, long-standing employee at the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), has been promoted to Head of Financial Crime Compliance.

Mr Abdilla Zerafa joined the MGA as an Enforcement Directorate Intern back in 2015. Over the next six-and-a-half years, he consistently worked his way up, having been promoted to Administrator, Officer, Senior Executive, Manager, and most recently, Head of Financial Crime Compliance.

The aforementioned department encompasses both the anti-money laundering and sports betting integrity units.

Taking to social media earlier this month, Mr Abdilla Zerafa noted that, under his management, the sports betting integrity department received more than 300 suspicious betting reports from across the Maltese betting sector throughout 2021.

That same year, the sports betting integrity department also set up increased monitoring mechanisms during major sports events, continued to sign data sharing agreements with stakeholders in the sports sector, and worked with the UNODC to review chapter from their recently published ‘Global Report on Corruption in Sport.’

The MGA aims to regulate the various sectors of the gaming industry that full under its wing by ensuring gaming is fair and transparent to the players whilst preventing crime, corruption, and money laundering and protecting minor and vulnerable players.

Related

How to navigate power dynamics in cross-functional collaboration

12 May 2025
by Nicole Zammit

The ability to work across departments is not just beneficial, it’s vital for innovation and long-term success.

Before the boardroom, there was mum: Malta’s business leaders reflect on timeless wisdom

11 May 2025
by Nicole Zammit

To mark Mother’s Day, Malta’s business leaders share the lessons their mothers taught them.

‘Treat outsourcing agreements like a pre-nup’ – Simon Azzopardi on asking the hard questions

9 May 2025
by Adel Montanaro

Having seen founders held hostage by unpaid invoices, Mr Azzopardi warned of the risks of avoiding difficult early conversations.

‘Here’s to growth, to clarity, to resilience, and to another year of learning to be’ – Nadia Pace

9 May 2025
by Adel Montanaro

The seasoned business advisor marked her birthday with a thoughtful reflection.