The EU’s anti-fraud agency Olaf is reportedly being investigated for illegally recording a telephone conversation involving Maltese suspect Silvio Zammit.

Mr Zammit has been charged in the Maltese courts for soliciting a €60 million bribe to overturn a ban on snus.

The call was made by tobacco lobbyist Inge Delfosse to Mr Zammit, John Dalli’s former canvasser.

The Sunday Times of London reported yesterday that Belgian police have asked the European Commission to lift the diplomatic immunity of Olaf officials, including its lead investigator Giovanni Kessler.

The Sunday Times of London says the telephone call in question was recorded without Mr Zammit’s knowledge, and this amounted to “unjustified interference with the right to the respect for private life.”

Dr Kessler could be held personally responsible if it emerged that he ordered the phone recording, The Sunday Times of London says.

Mr Dalli has sued Olaf for defamation and the European Commission for unfair dismissal after he was made to resign on the basis of Olaf’s findings.