The Justice Ministry said action is being taken to rectify shortcomings in the way court evidence is stored after reports that yet another crucial piece of evidence, a laptop, went missing.

The Ministry for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector emphasises that the Agency for Court Services has taken necessary measures and “is fully cooperating with judicial and police authorities” after a laptop used as evidence in a money laundering case was the latest object to disappear.

As previously announced by Minister Jonathan Attard in Parliament, on February 26, an administrative board was appointed to conduct a thorough review of exhibit custody in legal proceedings and perform all required examinations, the ministry said.

This board, chaired by Judge Emeritus Antonio Mizzi, includes Joseph Bonello and Paul Debattista as members, Valerio Schembri as an expert, and Frank Camilleri as secretary. The Administrative Board has been allotted a two-month period to submit its report, with the possibility of a one-month extension, the ministry said. The report will encompass recommendations for enhancing exhibit maintenance procedures to ensure a secure and reliable system aligned with the requirements of an efficient and equitable justice administration.

Furthermore, the agency has commenced efforts to enhance exhibit retention levels, including negotiations for the implementation of an RFID system for labelling exhibits.

The Ministry for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector said it remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining investment and reforming systems and procedures to ensure their effectiveness and relevance.