Investigation into case of mail tampering

With reference to Francis Borg's letter entitled No Explanation For Missing Mail (May 5), the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) wishes to confirm that Mr Borg lodged a complaint with the MCA subsequent to the closure of his complaint with Maltapost.

It should be noted that, with respect to the case in question, on taking cognisance of the tampering, an investigation had been instituted by Maltapost in accordance with standard practice. Records indicated that the tampering did not occur in Malta and, consequently, the relevant foreign operator was asked to investigate the case.

The MCA is following the cross-border investigations being undertaken by Maltapost with the foreign postal operator.

The MCA had informed Mr Borg accordingly, advising him that it would provide any relevant information once the investigation is terminated. This process is still underway, given the particular circumstances of the case, which involves a request for compensation for loss of money posted from a third country (Italy) via registered mail as a result of tampering of the mail in question. The claim for compensation was closed by Maltapost because standard postal practices require that such claims are made by the sender at the postal office where the registered mail in question was posted and, therefore, Maltapost was not in a position to accept the claim.

Additionally, from the information published on the related foreign operator's website, it appears that this operator prohibits the mailing of money by registered mail.