Leader of the Alleanza Bidla, Ivan Grech Mintoff this morning made some fresh, serious allegations surrounding the Libyan medical visa scandal.

In a press conference, Mr Grech Mintoff distributed a link to a video of the programme which was originally meant to be aired on F Living Channel but for some reason, was never broadcast. He explained that it was the channel's decision to withhold the video from going public.

He explained that he has already handed a lot of evidence to the police and insists that they have enough material to carry out a proper investigation. Mr Grech Mintoff said that if the authorities do not do their duty, he would be releasing the information he is in possession of himself.

Although many of the questions by journalists were replied to with a reference to the video, Mr Grech Mintoff alleged that Mr Khaled Ben Nasan, the whistle-blower, even made some form of contact with the Prime Minister. He said that Mr Ben Nasan decided to contact him because he simply does not trust the Malta Police Force. "Technically, he is not a whistle blower, as he does not fall under the whistle blowers act. He did not choose to go through the normal procedures because he does not trust the local authorities."

Sources close to the medical visas scandal who had spoken with this newspaper were incredulous that the police have not found enough evidence in the medical visas racket with which to proceed against government official Neville Gafà after he was accused of misappropriating €38,000 in questionable visa 'fees'. Transcripts from Viber conversations between middleman Khaled Ben Nasan and Mr Gafà made available to this newspaper show how the former regularly hounded Mr Gafà for the funds to be returned to the applicants over the first three months of the year.  In the transcripts, Mr Gafà never questions or denies Mr Ben Nasan's claims for reimbursement for the Libyan nationals who did not receive their visas, and instead acknowledges the fact but continually postpones various requested meetings. 

Neville Gafa

Mr Grech Mintoff said that many genuine Labourites have contacted him but they were concerned to speak out as they feared repercussions. He said that Alleanza Bidla reached out to the two major parties with the government remaining unresponsive and the Nationalist Party 'partially accepting' the invitation for further discussions.

"I have reason to believe that the authorities in Libya are going to call for Mr Ben Nasan's extradition. I fear that if this happens, he will go to Libya and disappear forever," he explained while saying that the Libyan man has full support from the internationally-recognised Libyan government.

He further added that there are at least five Libyan Ministers who are ready to speak more about the issue if they are granted permission to come to Malta. Mr Ben Nasan currently holds refugee status in Malta.

"There are more people who are willing to give testimony. All of this is clearly shown in the programme."

He called on the Attorney General to give amnesty to some of those who played part in the scam so that all of the truth can come out.

Mr Ben Nasan is not in hiding but according to Mr Grech Mintoff, he has received various threats. Asked several times on how he met Mr Ben Nasan, Mr Grech Mintoff said he was approached by the Libyan after watching his programme.

Ivan Grech Mintoff held a meeting with a police commissioner last Saturday. He did not divulge what was said or to whom he had spoken from the Police Force. "But following the evidence I gave them, the police inspector promised further investigation. I trust him, but I do not trust the authorities."

'Link between Castille and crime' - PN

The PN said that, in light of the serious allegations made this morning, the PM should immediately give access and protection to anyone who had new information about the scandal.

“A serious Prime Minister does not defend those who allegedly took part in corrupt practices but uses all his powers at law to ensure that the truth comes out and that the police conduct a serious investigation so that the corrupt face justice.”

It said that, up till now Joseph Muscat had chosen to defend those who were involved in the alleged scandal. The PM should grant protection and access to anyone willing to come forward with information.     

The PN said this scandal “confirmed the link that exists between Castille and crime” and said that more details were emerging with every passing day that showed how big the scandal actually was and how it included corruption at the highest levels of power. 

'No official contact made' - Government 

In reply the government said the PN was relying on a series of allegations that had surfaced some time ago and were still being investigated by the police.

“Malta has a good relationship with Libya and there are continuous diplomatic contacts. Contrary to what is being alleged by Mr Grech Mintoff, there is no information about any official contact attempts.”

The government said it would be better if the Opposition verified the statements being made by Mr Grech Mintoff instead of taking them on board just because they were against the government.