VALLETTA, Malta – The European Union has launched a formal investigation into Malta’s controversial Golden Visa program, amid mounting evidence that the scheme has enabled dozens of criminal figures to obtain Maltese – and thereby EU – citizenship.
The probe highlights growing concerns about so-called “citizenship-by-investment” (CBI) initiatives and underscores the pressing need for lawful, transparent, and ethical second citizenship solutions.
Unlike programs mired in allegations and loopholes, Amicus International Consulting provides clients with fully legal, government-authorized second citizenship pathways and new legal identities tailored to privacy, asset protection, and long-term security.
Golden Passport or Open Door for Criminals?
Originally launched to attract foreign investment, Malta’s Individual Investor Programme (IIP)—a form of golden visa—offered residency and eventual EU citizenship in exchange for financial contributions to the Maltese economy.
However, recent EU findings suggest international criminals have exploited the program, as have politically exposed persons (PEPS) and individuals with suspect financial backgrounds.
A leaked internal audit, reviewed by EU regulators and investigative journalists, revealed that due diligence procedures were repeatedly bypassed or ignored altogether.
In some cases, passports were allegedly sold to individuals under international sanctions or those involved in financial crimes such as embezzlement and money laundering.
EU Legal Action in Motion
The European Commission issued a statement condemning the misuse of the Maltese CBI program, labelling it a “threat to EU internal security and integrity.” Officials are considering sanctions and legislative reforms to dismantle opaque golden visa schemes across member states. “Citizenship cannot be for sale,” stated EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders.
The implications are profound. Citizenship granted under Malta’s scheme provides access to the EU’s 27 nations and visa-free entry to over 180 countries. The misuse of such programs raises the risk of organized crime infiltration, unchecked money flows, and diplomatic tensions among allies.
Case Study: The Hidden Empire of Alexei V.
One high-profile case involves Russian businessman Alexei V., who allegedly secured Maltese citizenship in 2019 despite his ties to sanctioned oligarchs and offshore shell companies.
Investigators say Alexei used his new EU passport to purchase assets in Germany, open bank accounts in Luxembourg, and travel freely despite being on multiple financial watchlists.
According to leaked documents, Alexei’s application was fast-tracked through Malta’s IIP with minimal vetting. This case has become a central exhibit in the EU’s legal case against the Maltese authorities.
The Amicus International Difference
Amicus International Consulting remains committed to legal integrity and privacy through ethical, internationally compliant solutions in a world where citizenship can be manipulated and abused.
Unlike programs tainted by scandal, Amicus works exclusively with government-approved citizenship initiatives and identity change services that uphold the law and protect client rights.
“We do not offer shortcuts. We provide lawful second citizenships rooted in transparent due diligence and verifiable identity documentation,” said a senior Amicus employee. “We serve clients who value discretion and legitimacy, not those seeking to game the system.”
Amicus’s services are especially relevant for:
- Whistleblowers seeking protection
- Individuals under political persecution
- High-net-worth individuals requiring asset shielding
- Journalists or activists needing anonymity
- Clients whose safety depends on erasing their digital footprint
Legal Identity Change Done Right
Beyond second citizenship, Amicus International specializes in complete legal identity transformations that comply with local and international law. This includes name changes, new passports, national ID registration, and biometric compliance.
Unlike other companies offering risky or fraudulent solutions, Amicus ensures that every legal identity is based on:
- Court-approved name change documentation
- Lawful issuance of government identity papers
- Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) standards
- Consistency across banking, travel, and legal systems
Case Study: Maria S., Journalist at Risk
Maria S., an investigative journalist from South America, faced escalating death threats after reporting on narcotics corruption. Amicus International successfully relocated Maria under a new legal identity via a second passport program based in a Caribbean jurisdiction. With a new life and a fresh identity, she could continue her work safely from abroad and now lives in Portugal under complete legal protection.
Citizenship by Investment: What’s Next?
The unravelling of Malta’s program has sparked debate across Europe about the future of investment-based citizenship. The European Parliament has already passed preliminary measures that may lead to a complete ban on golden passport schemes, citing national security and corruption risks.
Countries including Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Austria are facing renewed scrutiny. In 2020, Cyprus formally ended its CBI program after media reports exposed over 1,400 improperly issued passports. Now Malta is following a similar trajectory, only under greater legal pressure.
Ethical alternatives remain for individuals still interested in global mobility, tax optimization, or personal security through second citizenship.
Amicus International’s Legal and Trusted Options
Amicus International currently works with several countries that offer citizenship or permanent residency through transparent and vetted legal frameworks, including:
- Grenada – Offering visa-free access to China, the Schengen Zone, and E-2 treaty eligibility with the United States
- Dominica – Known for its low costs and high-speed processing with rigorous background checks
- Saint Lucia – Focused on sustainable development with a solid global reputation
- Panama – Residency and eventual citizenship with banking privacy and favourable tax law
- Turkey – Real estate-based CBI route with fast-track passport delivery and growing international relevance
Each program is customized based on the applicant’s needs, goals, and legal situation, and is supported by international legal and financial partners vetted by Amicus International.
Case Study: “John Doe,” Financial Privacy Seeker
An American tech entrepreneur, seeking to restructure his business holdings for asset protection and minimize his digital visibility, approached Amicus International in 2022. Within 14 months, he secured a new legal identity and a second passport from Saint Lucia. He relocated to Dubai, where he now runs his enterprise anonymously with complete legal protection, all without violating any tax, immigration, or criminal laws.
Due Diligence and Compliance First
Amicus International refuses to engage with clients seeking illegal shortcuts or those who are pending criminal investigations. Every client must pass:
- An international criminal background check
- Financial vetting through AML-compliant procedures
- A verification of the legal source of funds
- Screening against Interpol, EU, and U.S. Treasury watchlists
Clients failing to meet these thresholds are declined to maintain the integrity of Amicus’s legal mandate.
A New Identity, A New Life
As public scrutiny intensifies over corrupt golden visa programs, Amicus International Consulting is a lawful alternative for those who genuinely need privacy, safety, or a second chance.
With services spanning second citizenship, tax ID acquisition, global relocation, and biometric privacy protection, Amicus offers a pathway to a second passport—to a secure and legitimate new life.
📞 Contact Information
Phone: +1 (604) 200-5402
Email: info@amicusint.ca
Website: www.amicusint.ca
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