Daniel Muka, the primary suspect in the murder of investment banker Dr. Christian Pandolfino and his partner Ivor Maciejowski is suspected to have used a radio frequency jammer in the alleged offences.
The device was found in a stolen VW Tiguan allegedly used by the suspect. Upon inspection, the Police found a complex device which is used to jam radio and mobile frequencies. It may also have been used to eavesdrop on police radio and to jam radio frequencies of police in the vicinity.
Devices of this nature are usually strictly reserved for military or police use, especially in the protection of VIPs, politicians or dignitaries. The way the device works is by tuning the transmitter (the jamming device) to the frequency of the receiver (for example, a police radio) and creating random noises, pulses or frequencies to disrupt the communication. When used by civilians, it is generally associated with illegal activities such as eavesdropping and spying, and may also be used to harass individuals.
While it is not yet known at the time of publishing what exactly this device consisted of, use of frequency jamming devices is illegal. It is not known whether the device was acquired illegally or made by the perpetrator himself, however we can only speculate as to its use in the commission of the crime.
Given Muka’s previous run-ins with the law, it may be clear what the device was used for. In 2017, Muka and his brother, Begtash, carried out an armed hold-up at Diamonds International at Tigne in Sliema. They stole over €300,000 in diamonds, and the jamming equipment may have been used to survey police activity in the area, or to be aware whether or not police were notified of their crime and plan a quick getaway.
Those in possession of any information are urged to inform the authorities.
