Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi has accused former OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri of being a “criminal mastermind” behind Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination.

In a Facebook, post, Azzopardi also alleged that Schembri had used secret Malta Security Service information to tip off the three men who stand accused of the murder.

Schembri is currently in police custody and is being questioned in connection with the murder.

“I write this out of my responsibility as a Member of Parliament,” Azzopardi, who is one of the lawyers to the Caruana Galizia family, wrote.

“Keith Schembri is one of the criminal masterminds in the assassination of Daphne. He paid out money for this. Keith Schembri alerted the three accused prior to their arrest, abusing of MSS secret information. Keith Schembri as recently as last week was sending written messages to Yorgen French under Police bail telling him what to say and not. Joseph Muscat: YOU have blood on your hands.”

Schembri allegedly used Doctor Adrian Vella to tell 17 Black owner Yorgen Fenech not to expose anything about him (Schembri). The messages were reportedly relayed to Fenech while the latter was in police custody.

Schembri and Vella are currently in police custody while Fenech is expected to be arrested for a fourth time. He is currently on police bail.