Developer Marco Gaffarena has filed an injunction against the Cefai family, who own another part of the property in Old Mint Street, which is set to be expropriated by the government.

Mr Gaffarena has thus far made 1.65 million euros from two other parts of the property that have already been expropriated.

A promise of sale agreement has already been signed between Mr Gaffarena and the Cefai family.

The Cefai family did not turn up for a meeting to sign the contract with Mr Gaffarena after the expropriation deal on the other two parts of the property was made public.

Mr Gaffarena's lawyer said his client is merely protecting his rights as set out in the promise of sale agreement.

An appointment was made to sign the contract after the expropriation deal.

Lawyers for the Cefai family argued that it would not be prudent for them to sign the contract now in light of an investigation by the Auditor General into the expropriation deal.