Lands Department workers this morning were not allowed to go into their offices as police are conducting an investigation.
The measure comes in the wake of the resignation of parliamentary secretary Michael Falzon following the publication of a report by the National Audit Office on a property deal with Mark Gaffarena.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat yesterday described the NAO report as a condemnation of the practices at the Lands Department.
Lands Department workers who spoke to The Malta Independent said they were surprised when this morning they were asked not to enter their offices. "We were told to punch in our attendance and remain outside," one said. "We are being treated like criminals."
It is understood that senior police officers of the Criminal Investigation Department are holding a meeting with the heads of department.
Photos Jonathan Borg