---
title: "Constitutional Court Rejects Keith Schembri Asset Freezing Appeal"
date: 2026-10-28T05:01:22.298+00:00
updated: 2026-10-28T05:01:22.298+00:00
topics: ["Crime", "Courts", "National"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-10-28/constitutional-court-rejects-keith-schembri-asset-freezing-appeal
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# Constitutional Court Rejects Keith Schembri Asset Freezing Appeal

## In brief

- The Constitutional Court has turned down an appeal by Keith Schembri and three associates against the freezing of their assets.
- The legal challenge sought to lift restrictions imposed in connection with ongoing criminal proceedings over alleged money laundering.
- The ruling confirms that their financial assets and properties will remain frozen as the criminal cases proceed.

The Constitutional Court has dismissed an appeal filed by former Office of the Prime Minister chief of staff Keith Schembri and three business associates, upholding court orders that froze their financial assets.

Schembri had mounted the constitutional challenge alongside his father, Alfio Schembri, as well as Malcolm Scerri and Robert Zammit. The group argued against the continued restriction of their funds, which were originally placed under freezing orders when criminal charges were filed against them.

All four individuals are facing criminal proceedings related to alleged money laundering and financial crimes. The freezing orders prevent the defendants from transferring, selling, or accessing their bank accounts, company holdings, and property beyond a statutory court-approved allowance.

In their appeal, the applicants claimed that the freezing orders imposed an unfair and disproportionate burden on their personal and commercial affairs, requesting relief from the constitutional judges.

The court rejected those claims, concluding that the asset freeze remains legally justified while criminal proceedings are pending. Under Maltese law, freezing orders are standard measures designed to secure potential proceeds of crime until a trial reaches a final conclusion.

If eventually convicted of the money laundering offences, each of the accused could face prison sentences as well as financial penalties reaching up to 2.5 million euros.

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** Both reporting outlets covered the Constitutional Court ruling factually with consistent details regarding the rejection of the appeal.

## Sources (2)

- [Lovin Malta](https://lovinmalta.com/news/local/keith-schembri-loses-appeal-over-freezing-of-assets-in-money-laundering-case/)
- [Times of Malta](https://timesofmalta.com/article/keith-schembri-appeal-freezing-order-rejected-constitutional-court.1136222)

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---

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