Jimmy Magro, a former general secretary of the Labour Party, appeared in court on Tuesday to face charges related to fraud and the alleged misappropriation of approximately €20,000 in EU funds.

Magro pleaded not guilty to several charges, including complicity in fraud, fraudulent gain, forgery, and making a false declaration to a public authority. The charges are further aggravated by his role as a public official at the time.

The alleged offences are believed to have occurred between 2010 and 2015. Few details were revealed during the arraignment, but Magro's defence team indicated they may later contest the charges on the basis of being time-barred, pending a full review of the case.

This latest case follows Magro's conviction in April for corruption. He was found guilty of helping a bidder win a €250,000 public tender for waste collection equipment in 2014, while serving as a special consultant to the Local Councils Association. He is currently appealing that conviction.

During Tuesday's proceedings, Kevin Calleja from the Internal Audit and Investigations Department (IAID) testified for the prosecution. He presented a financial investigation report detailing the suspected misuse of EU funds by the Local Councils Association-a report initially submitted to then-Attorney General Peter Grech in June 2016.

The case is scheduled to continue later this week.

Magistrate Giannella Busuttil is presiding, with Superintendent Rennie Stivala prosecuting. Magro is being defended by lawyers Franco Debono, Michael Sciriha, and Roberto Spiteri.