Magistrate Natasha Sciberras will lead the magisterial inquiry on the allegations surrounding the Prime Minister’s chief of staff Keith Schembri, and Nexia BT owner and PM consultant Brian Tonna (photos below)

In a statement, Mr Schembri welcomed the appointment and said he had full faith in the judiciary. He said that he will cooperate in the inquiry and looks forward to expose the truth.

Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri selected the magistrate for the inquiry through a blind lot today.

There were the 23 magistrates up for selection.

This comes after Magistrate Aaron Bugeja, who is conducting a separate inquiry on the Egrant case, ruled that the evidence presented by Leader of the Opposition Simon Busuttil is enough for a criminal investigation to be launched into Keith Schembri and Nexia BT director Brian Tonna. The case however was not related to his remit to investigate allegations that the PM's wife Michelle is the owner of a company opened in Panama.

Mr Schembri and Mr Tonna did not appeal the ruling.

Dr Busuttil has submitted evidence alleging that Mr Schembri received kickbacks from Mr Tonna on the sale of citizenships.

Both men claim that this was merely the payback of a loan.

Dr Galea Sciberras was appointed magistrate in October 2012.