The Internal Affairs Office within the Police Corps has arrested around 30 of their colleagues in the traffic section as part of an investigation into overtime abuse, a statement this evening read.

While investigations are ongoing, a magisterial inquiry has also been called. The police statement read that all the measures at law are being taken. 

What has been described as a “major racket” has been under the police radar for several weeks, and the police this morning are proceeding with the arrests to further their investigation.

In a statement, the police said that a contingency plan has been set in place to make up for the absence of the officers from the roads while they are being investigated.

The Malta Independent is informed that the officers have had the motorcycles they use taken away.

The police traffic section has been sealed and it is understood that one inspector is involved in the racket.

The police is requesting more information on the abuse, and the public is being urged to provide it either by calling on 22942001 or send an email to [email protected]

It is understood that the officers were claiming overtime hours when in fact the hours had not been worked.

It is yet another blow to the public's trust in the police force, which has recently seen the resignation of police commissioner Lawrence Cutajar following criticism on the way the police handled the investigation into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia as well as shortcomings in investigations concerning politically-exposed persons.