Criminal proceedings against two accountants and a number of associated companies have been formally brought to an end after an agreement was reached with the tax authorities.
Nigel and Mikaela Scerri, the individuals behind the firm Ennesse, had been charged last year in connection with an investigation that uncovered discrepancies amounting to approximately €1.5 million in tax and VAT obligations.
The couple had denied all allegations.
The case also involved several companies linked to the pair, including Ennesse, Nimik Ltd, Accountingwise Ltd, Davvero Ltd, Payrise Limited, NYG Ltd, Sopralific Ltd, Starseekers Ltd, Volando Ltd, Drivingforce Limited, Delvetro Ltd, Double Leisure Ltd, Obregado Ltd, Performante Ltd and Semprenoi Ltd.
Earlier in the proceedings, police inspector Tonjoe Farrugia had testified about numerous financial transactions dating back to 2016.
These transactions were linked to 26 bank accounts opened by the couple, with the majority held locally and others spread across several European countries, including Germany, Belgium and Lithuania.
The court had also been informed of significant property investments made by the pair, estimated at around €12 million.
Evidence presented showed that substantial loans, including amounts of €400,000 and €500,000, were repaid within relatively short periods of time. When questioned by police, the couple had stated that their acquisitions were financed through personal savings.
The outcome follows legislative changes introduced last year, allowing individuals accused of tax evasion to regularise their position through financial settlements with the authorities instead of facing criminal prosecution.
The framework also applies to related offences, including money laundering and fraud, and provides for penalties ranging from €10,000 up to €1 million.
The case was presided over by Magistrate Lara Lanfranco, with prosecution led by lawyers Rebekah Gatt and Andrea Zammit on behalf of the Attorney General.
The defence team included lawyers Joe Giglio and Michaela Giglio.