The government has this evening published the inquiry report into the allegations made by Malta Today in an article titled "Money Laundering Investigation was not pursued when Fenech Adami's name cropped up".

The report concluded that what was alleged on Malta Today could not be confirmed. In conclusion number seven of the report carried out by three former judges states; 'the board, after considering all the circumstances, concludes that it could not be made certain that the police investigations were halted because of Beppe Fenech Adami's name as alleged by Malta Today. However, the board still cannot conclude whether this effectively happened or not.'

The Office of the Prime Minister has announced that the case will now be passed on to the police and the FIAU as suggested by the inquiry, “the facts established…warrant a more thorough review/investigation by the competent national authorities.”

The report also concluded "that the investigations by the police were abruptly discontinued." "It is very hard to prove why the police investigations came to a halt," the inquiry adds.    

"When on 13 January, Beppe Fenech Adami's name cropped up in the investigation, the case became a very hot potato which could result in undesirable consequences on those who would be willing to handlel it. There's a saying - don't bite the hand that feeds you (iddardarx l-ghajn li tixrob minnha)." 

The inquiry was launched on 10 October 2016. "The Prime Minister has taken note of the conclusions and intends to pass on the report to the competent authorities," the government added. 

Beppe Fenech Adami reacts

In comments to The Malta Independent, Beppe Fenech Adami said that the inquiry report shows that he never interfered with the police. "The inquiry confirms that all the allegations made against me in the last four months were not true," he added.

"The only allegation confirmed is that the police could have investigated it further", Dr Fenech Adami concluded. 

Simon Busuttil should take action - Labour Party

The Labour Party has said that the inquiry concludes that the police investigations were abruptly halted when Dr Fenech Adami's name cropped up.  

"The inquiry highlights the fact that certain documents disappeared from the police files on the case," the PL said.

"If the leader of the Opposition wants to be believed, he should understand the seriousness of this report and say what action will he be willing to take against the PN Deputy Leader."

Read the report here