Malta-headquartered commodity trading company Alkagesta has filed a lawsuit against The Maltese Herald in Malta's Court of Magistrates. The action, initiated on September 18, 2026, alleges that the publication has engaged in defamation and libel through articles released over the past year.
According to a statement from Alkagesta, the firm is pursuing legal remedies in response to what it characterizes as unfounded and damaging claims made and reiterated by The Maltese Herald for approximately twelve months. Alkagesta asserts that these statements have lacked evidence and have persisted despite attempts to engage with the publication to address factual inaccuracies.
The company indicated that this decision was not made lightly, stating that multiple requests for engagement and the presentation of facts did not result in the retraction or correction of the articles in question by The Maltese Herald. Alkagesta noted that it remains open to an amicable resolution if the publication offers an apology and retracts the contested content, which it claims serves only to cause unjustifiable commercial harm.
Alkagesta's statement also mentioned that the alleged false allegations have been echoed by what it terms "pay-to-play sites," leaving no alternative but to initiate proceedings. The firm expressed confidence in the strength of its case, asserting that the facts support its position. Further comment on these proceedings will be withheld until the legal process concludes, according to Alkagesta.
Alkagesta operates in various commodity sectors, including oil, fuel oil, jet fuel, and biofuels. Its operations span trading, trade finance, risk management, compliance, shipping and logistics, and storage across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Sources
- Alkagesta, “Alkagesta initiates defamation proceedings against the Maltese Herald”, 2026-09-18 — alkagesta.com
- Alkagesta media and publications — alkagesta.com
