Nexia BT today the launch of an investigation in the allegations made concerning the ownership and alleged affairs of Egrant Inc. and related matters.

The firm is convinced, it said, that the investigation will establish, once and for all, that the substantive allegations made against us will be disproved.

Amongst other things, the firm is certain that the investigation will establish that:

(i) Egrant Inc. was set up as a shelf company and remained such throughout its existence;

(ii) Egrant Inc. had no beneficial owner other than Brian Tonna throughout its existence; 

(iii) Throughout its existence, Egrant Inc. never held any bank accounts, anywhere in the world, never held any assets, including monies, and never traded

The firm said it will co-operate fully with the authorities and continue to fulfil its duties in terms of the law and applicable ethical standards, as it has done throughout the 25 years of its existence. 

Nexia BT was involved in the opening of three companies in the secretive jurisdiction of Panama, one belonging to No Portfolio Minister Konrad Mizzi, another to OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri and a third, called Egrant, which blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia alleges is owned by the PM's wife, Michelle Muscat. PM Joseph Muscat refutes the allegations and said he will proceed with legal action.