The Maltese entrepreneur who was implicated in the allegations that led to the resignation of European Commissioner John Dalli said yesterday the inquiry conclusions were “seriously baseless” and “erroneous”.

In a statement, businessman Silvio Zammit denied all the claims, stressing he had acted as a “lobbyist” and had received no payment for his actions, which were “above board”.

“I strongly deny all allegations of any wrongdoing on my part. I categorically state that I have never received any payment from the Swedish company Swedish Match or the European Smokeless Tobacco Council,” he said.

“My role was that of a lobbyist and all my contribution in the matter was above board and regular, in consonance with established practices.  Furthermore, I confirm that I was contacted by the foreign party and it was they that set the ball rolling.”

Mr Zammit, who has stepped down from his post as vice-mayor in Sliema “to be able to defend his reputation”, said he would leave “no stone unturned to prove that I am extraneous to the case”.

He said the conclusions could not be substantiated by evidence, not even by circumstantial evidence.

“I strongly feel that OLAF have seriously misinterpreted the evidence they have in hand.

“I will not, for this moment, try to interpret why such a turn of events may have come about,” he said.

The European Commission confirmed that no transaction was concluded between the company and Mr Zammit and that no payment had been made.