The Malta Independent 14 February 2025, Friday
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17 Black: Keith Schembri, Konrad Mizzi, Yorgen Fenech and Nexia partners plead not guilty

Wednesday, 5 February 2025, 11:26 Last update: about 8 days ago

Former chief-of-staff Keith Schembri, former Minister Konrad Mizzi and businessman Yorgen Fenech, amongst others, were charged with various criminal offences linked to the controversial Electrogas power station project on Wednesday morning. 

Charges were filed against seven individuals and four companies, as Brian Tonna, Karl Cini, Paul Apap Bologna and Mario Pullicino also appeared in Court.

All accused pled not guilty to all charges brought against them. 

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This comes following the conclusion of a criminal inquiry into allegations concerning illicit payments linked to 17 Black, owned by Yorgen Fenech. The inquiry had recommended the institution of criminal action against Schembri, Mizzi and others. 

The inquiry had been requested by former PN leader Simon Busuttil and PN MEP David Casa. According to information reported in the press, 17 Black was listed as a "target client" for Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi's once-secret Panama companies in a leaked document. In 2018, it was revealed by Times of Malta and Reuters that 17 Black was owned by Yorgen Fenech, who was a shareholder in the Electrogas consortium that won a multi-million-euro gas power station tender.

After the examination of the accused took place, the Court, presided over by Magistrate Rachel Montebello, heard submissions made by defence lawyers pertaining to concerns over the choice of experts used throughout the inquiry. Lawyer Stephen Tonna Lowell argued that experts Harbinson Forensics Limited and Miroslava Milenovic had repeated and recycled opinions they had expressed on his clients in other inquiries. 

The nomination of the experts was confirmed at the end of the sitting. 

During the sitting, Inspector Brian Camilleri from the FCID took to the stand. He recalled that the investigation began in March 2018 on the basis of suspected money laundering. A request was lodged by the police for the opening of an inquiry later that year, with Camilleri being assigned to the investigation in 2020. 

Camilleri made numerous references to various companies, registered in different countries, as well as transactions between said companies, which ran into the millions. The inspector also referred to frequent WhatsApp communication between Keith Schembri, Konrad Mizzi and Yorgen Fenech. On one occasion, Fenech sent a photo of two men, one of these turning out to be the member of a prominent Dubai-based family. Under the photo was a message stating 'this is the 'King' of Dubai'.

Under cross-examination, Camilleri confirmed that no transactions between 17 Black and any members of parliament resulted. He also stated that to his memory, there were no transactions including public officials. Asked if any transactions from Yorgen Fenech to Konrad Mizzi or companies linked to him were found, the inspector responded in the negative.

The Court, towards the end of the sitting, also approved freezing order requests, with these orders ranging from €18 million to around €200,000. A freezing order to the tune of €12 million was issued as against all the accused (including the companies) individuals except Yorgen Fenech, Paul Apap Bologna and Mario Pullicino. Whilst the amount indicated in the freezing order issued against Yorgen Fenech is of €18 million, the amounts of €390,000 and around €200,000 were frozen in relation to Apap Bologna and Pullicino respectively.

The next sitting will take place on Wednesday 19 February.

The prosecution is being led by Inspector Brian Camilleri and superintendent Jonathan Ransley with the assistance of AG lawyers Gary Cauchi and Nicole Sladden.

Lawyers Charles Mercieca and Gianluca Caruana Curran are appearing for Yorgen Fenech. 

Lawyers Edward Gatt and Shaun Zammit are appearing for Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi. 

Lawyers Gianella De Marco and Kathleen Grima are appearing for Paul Apap Bologna.

Lawyer Stephen Tonna Lowell are appearing for Karl Cini, Brian Tonna and Mario Pullicino.

 


 

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