Vessel owner charged with fraud over fuel sales

A man who allegedly bought enough duty free diesel to fill up about 1,000 average-sized cars pleaded not guilty to defrauding the government when he allegedly sold it on the high seas.

Customs officers allegedly caught John Busuttil, 51, with about €21,000 worth of fuel on his vessel on April 8, 2004. The fuel, amounting to about 41,000 litres, was worth €7,701 at the time with a combined excise duty and VAT value of €12,975, the prosecution is claiming.

The prosecution is expected to argue in court that the Customs officers became suspicious when they noticed a vessel leaving the island a number of times taking big volumes of fuel and returning with the hold almost empty.

Mr Busuttil pleaded not guilty to defrauding the government by not paying the relevant tax and making a false declaration.

Police Inspector Angelo Gafà prosecuted.

Lawyer Roberto Montalto appeared for the accused.