The work being carried out by Robert Abela government is being eclipsed by political and business plots which were hatched and implemented between 2013 and 2019, Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo says today.

Reacting to a story on the wind-farm deal with Montenegro published yesterday, the minister said that on the same day that the Venice Commission was positive on its view on how Malta was strengthening its institutions, a report in the international media “continues to shatter Malta’s reputation”.

Bartolo was referring to a report published today that 17 Black, the Dubai company owned by Yorgen Fenech, made a profit of €4.6 million from Enemalta's purchase of a windfarm in Montenegro. Fenech is charged with being the mastermind in the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Bartolo said he agreed in full with the Prime Minister’s “disgust” about the allegations made, and that whoever is responsible must shoulder responsibility, or otherwise the PM will take action.

He also agreed that the case should be investigated without fear or favour. “The fight against money laundering and corruption does not only need to be made in the name of honesty, but because it also makes economic sense,” Bartolo said.

He added that Malta is facing warnings that international institutions like Moneyval and Financial Action Task Force will place the country as part of a list that cannot be trusted in their fight against corruption and money laundering. This would mean that apart from losing its reputation, Malta will also lose its attraction to investors.

We have been dragging our feet since the PN administration in taking action, and the FATF will soon take a decision. Malta’s economy will suffer is Malta is put on the grey list, Bartolo said.

Malta must strengthen its fight against money laundering. The livelihood of many families depends on how the police, the attorney general and the courts deal with these situations.

Whoever is involved in corruption, money laundering and tax evasion needs to be investigated and accused before the courts. If this does not happen, Malta will be facing an economic Covid-21, he said.