Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi revealed today that a number of files, totaling 655, have been discovered in a box in a room where electricty bills are compiled which show that between 2006 and 2011, an additional estimated two million euros in electricity was stolen but the previous administration turned a blind eye, despite knowing about the theft.

Addressing a news conference at Enemalta's central administration building in Marsa today, said that an employee approached the government to alert them about the ‘hidden’ files, ones which according to Mr Mizzi, were opened after a number of consumers were caught stealing electricity.

Mr Mizzi said that once a file was opened, and the police alerted, this meant that the government of the time knew about the blatant electricity theft but did nothing to address the issue and left the files to rot.

He said that no wonder the PN hid Tonio Fenech away from the public’s eye, referring to the files which have been discovered.

“Mr Fenech should disappear following this scandal and not only kept away from facing questions for the last three weeks,” he said.

Mr Mizzi said that he never even dreamt of finding such a mess, adding that no wonder Mr Fenech used the term Alice in Wonderland, referring to the many scandals which are coming to light.

Around 10% of the 655 files opened are consumer-related, the rest are cases involving households.

Asked how the government would be dealing with these cases, Mr Mizzi said that we will use the Legal Notice which existed between the period of the theft to the full.

The government said that a number of individuals are calling in to admit that they had their meters tampered with as well as others who are bringing to light cases such as the 655 files which were discovered.

A number of case officers are working on the files and are seeking legal advice on the issue.

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In reaction, the PN said that it is against all forms of electricity theft and all steps should be taken for Enemalta Corporation to recover all the money it is due.

The PN noted that the government had confirmed that the previous administration had passed on the 655 files to the police for investigation. This is contrary to what Dr Mizzi and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat have done about the more recent bribery cases that emerged.

Dr Mizzi should now investigate why the police decided to stop their inquiry on the 655 cases mentioned.