BNF Bank has said that a former official who was charged with money laundering on Tuesday retired from the bank in 2018, and has no ties or associations with it.

Albert Buttigieg – not to be confused with the mayor for St. Julians – was yesterday one of two people charged with money laundering in connection with two restaurants.

The other person is Florinda (known as Floren) Sultana, who is the step-daughter of former footballer Darren Debono – who stands accused of being part of a fuel smuggling racket.

In a statement, BNF Bank said: “The Bank confirms that Mr Buttigieg retired from the Bank in 2018. The Bank hereby clarifies that Mr Buttigieg has no ties with the Bank and is not associated with the Bank’s conduct of business in any manner whatsoever.”

“The Bank complies with all laws and regulations applicable to the business of banking and actively co-operates with regulators and law enforcement authorities at all times”, it added.