Before Bankruptcy, U.S. Healthcare Giant Steward Agreed to Pay 15M Euros to Avoid Public Criticism in Malta

A leaked settlement and internal emails reveal that Steward Health Care agreed to pay over €15 million to former VGH executives to keep allegations of wrongdoing confidential following its 2018 takeover of Malta’s public hospital concession, later annulled amid a major corruption scandal. Communications describe legal threats, alleged leverage by Maltese officials, disputes over public statements, and concerns about engagement with the National Audit Office, with all parties denying wrongdoing. The case unfolds alongside Steward’s 2024 U.S. bankruptcy and reported federal investigation, highlighting significant financial mismanagement and political pressures surrounding the hospital deal.