Following the latest 17 Black revelations, the European Parliament's committee of financial crimes has written a letter to the Maltese ambassador to the EU with a number of questions, surrounding Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi, OPM chief of Staff Keith Schembri and 17 Black in light of the Panama Papers, and subsequent revelations.

The initiative was decided upon by the coordinators of the committee, strongly supported by the Green Party.

Greens MEP Sven Giegold, financial and economic policy spokesperson of the Greens/EFA group commented:

"The tough questions by the European Parliament are more than justified. It is unprecedented that key government officials remain in office despite strong publically available indications of corrupt business. The European Parliament deserves a complete answer to all questions."

The letter asks the ambassador why no political decision has been taken with regard to OPM Chief of Staff Keith Schembri and Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi. They have also asked for an explanation on the purpose of them setting up their financial structures, and any indicated potential payments.

Among other things, the MEPs also asked whether any action has been taken against Nexia BT, or any fines issue against the company by the FIAU.

The MEPs ask whether any action was taken to investigate a possible breach of public procurement rules following the NAO report.

The MEPs highlight that "The FIAU report on 17 Black states that minister Konrad Mizzi over-declared his bank deposits in his Parliamentary declaration of assets by some €300,000. In fact, despite declaring deposits of close to €400,000, it was revealed that the minister had just over €90,000 in joint accounts with his wife in February 2017. This lack of resources was deemed suspicious by the FIAU. Has any investigation been pursued to understand the reason for this discrepancy?

The full letter can be read here