The Police Traffic Branch has recruited an inspector and 12 police officers in a bid to replenish its depleted ranks after more than three-fourths of its manpower were lost to a corruption scandal.
A total of 42 officers have been arrested in connection with an overtime and fuel misappropriation racket that has seen all police sections and districts being placed under an internal investigation.
The racket was uncovered by a whistleblower in October, but an investigation was only launched two months later. The Malta Independent had revealed that the whistleblower had also claimed that Traffic Branch officers would collect ‘protection money’ from transport companies and building contractors.
The Internal Affairs unit, which is investigating the allegations together with the Criminal Investigations Department and the Economic Crimes Unit, had asked officers and the public in general to report any cases of wrongdoing by the police. The unit was inundated with complaints, sources had said.
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri had later said that all sections and districts will be subjected to an audit by the Internal Audit and Investigations Department (IAID).
Replying to questions by this newsroom, a police spokesperson said that, since the latest update given on 14 February, two officers were re-arrested and are on police bail and suspended from their duties.
Another police officer was arrested and released on police bail whilst also being suspended.
This brings the total number of arrests since the beginning of the investigations up to 42.
34 officials are on police bail (28 suspended and are on police bail & 6 retired on pension and are on police bail), while another official has retired on pension.
There have been no arrests, suspensions or retirements on pensions from other police sections, the spokesperson said.
Asked when the Traffic Branch would reach full strength again, the spokesperson said the branch has recently recruited an Inspector and 12 police officers.
To make up for the lack of personnel on the roads, the Malta Police Force has roped in the Local Enforcement and Transport Malta. Asked whether the force is paying for these services, the spokesperson said “the Malta Police Force is not paying for the services of LESA and Transport Malta officials for their assistance in day-to-day traffic management.”