Karl Cutajar, the 18-year-old director, secretary, legal representative and judicial representative of the newly formed government security company Fort Security Services, happens to be the nephew of Economy Minister Chris Cardona’s chief of staff Mario Azzopardi.

Fort Security Services falls under Dr Cardona’s ministerial control.

PN MP Jason Azzopardi asked Dr Cardona yesterday in Parliament if the 18-year-old Mr Cutajar is related to cabinet secretary Mario Cutajar.

Dr Cardona did not deny this in Parliament, whilst probably knowing full well that Mr Cutajar is actually his chief of staff’s nephew.

Karl Cutajar (left) together with his uncle and Chris Cardona's chief of staff Mario Azzopardi

Mr Cutajar is also one of Dr Cardona’s constituents, hailing from Birkirkara.

A denial about the Mario Cutajar family link was only issued later after the Parliament session.

The 18-year-old Cutajar, who is an executive with the government investment company Mimcol, has a diploma in VAT compliance.

Sources who called this newsroom said Mr Cutajar is not paid for his role. 

Dr Cardona defended the appointment in Parliament yesterday, saying Mr Cutajar’s age is irrelevant as long as he is legally qualified to hold the role. 

Government backbencher Anthony Agius Decelis said the appointment shows the government's trust in youngsters. 

The government holds the majority of shares in the new company, and Mr Cutajar holds one ordinary share as the representative of the government holding company Mimcol.

Dr Cardona said it is too early to say how many people will be employed with the new security company.

People with be engaged with the new company on merit, and they may be from within or outside the public service, Dr Cardona said. 

Through the new company, the government will save money which in the past was used to engage a select group of security firms, the Minister said. 

The company will also fill in gaps that existed under the previous government, such as at the former shipbuilding site.

There were substantial thefts from that site in the past, Dr Cardona said.