Fraud allegations based "on half truths"

Businessman Sebastian Dalli yesterday called on creditor Joseph Gaffarena to withdraw his allegations of fraud, saying that he was conveniently avoiding to mention all the facts of the matter so as to create a fictitious case against him which would damage his reputation.

Dalli filed a judicial protest in the Civil Court following the challenge filed by Gaffarena in the Magistrates' Court calling on the police commissioner to take criminal action against Dalli for fraud.

Dalli claimed Gaffarena was basing his case on half-truths, distorting the facts because he knew very well that the transfer of a plot of land worth Lm700,000 did not involve payment in cash but rather the transfer of debts and other obligations to the same value of the land.

Dalli said the transaction was covered by notarial acts and Gaffarena was simply using the media to damage Dalli's reputation, especially because he had political connections (Dalli's brother is the Minister of Finance).

Dr Michael Sciriha and Dr Gianfranco Gauci signed the protest.