Accountant Joe Sammut did not act alone – and this is again proof of institutionalised corruption, Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil said this morning.

The Malta Independent on Sunday today revealed that the accountant was working together with a former Maltese consul Marisa Farrugia to run a Libya visa scheme. This week, Mr Sammut was arraigned in court, charged with fraud, misappropriation of funds, and misappropriation of funds, money laundering and falsification of documents.

The Opposition Leader said that for Joe Sammut to issue as visas and permits, he could have not worked alone.  “There is an institutionalised corruption and this is preoccupying” he said, speaking on Radio 101.  

He said that the Prime Minister should call an immediate meeting for the national security representatives to explain how such visas were being issued and to revoke all issued visas.  In addition, a thorough investigation needs to be conducted.

“It has been one scandal over another- even during the summer months. But the government is always thinking of ways to manipulate the media and deflect the public’s attention – a case in point the announcement of the American University this week,”  Dr Busuttil said, speaking on One Radio.

“The government was supposed to act on the suggestions and concerns of environmentalists and the general public. But instead, he opted for a quick-fix,” he said.

 €360 million bank guarantee

The Opposition Leader argued that the government attempted to hide the €360 million bank guarantee for the building of the power station.  “This is for a private and not public project and therefore the bank guarantee here is wrong.   If the power station project is not complete, Dr Muscat would have to resign and that is the reason for the guarantee – it is purely for his own personal interest.  He chose to burden the public with a colossal weight,” he said.

Prime Minister ignores challenges by Opposition

A few weeks ago, Dr Busuttil made a number of challenges to the Prime Minister, including the revoking of the permit of Gaffarena’s petrol station in Qormi, which is built illegally. “Dr Muscat thinks that because he does not reply to our questions and challenges the Opposition will stop,” he said.

Dr Busuttil had also challenged Dr Muscat to take back the property expropriated to Gaffarena and to remove Raymond Zammit from his role as head of prisons.