Former European commissioner John Dalli has revealed he had sent a judicial letter to former canvasser Silvio Zammit in August, warning him against tarnishing his reputation.

Mr Dalli said his lawyers had written to Mr Zammit soon after he heard certain details from the EU’s anti-fraud office, OLAF. The agency had been investigating trading in influence allegations involving the former Sliema deputy mayor and Mr Dalli, who was forced to resign over the matter last week.

Contacted yesterday, Mr Dalli said he did not know much back then but felt the need to write to Mr Zammit “holding him responsible for any harm to his reputation”.

Mr Dalli said Mr Zammit replied to the judicial letter but he gave no further details.

When contacted, Mr Zammit simply gave a “no comment” to every question put to him.

Mr Dalli resigned as commissioner on Tuesday after an OLAF investigation established that Mr Zammit had asked for a bribe (which the Swedish press reported to have been €60 million) from a tobacco company in return for influencing legislation under Mr Dalli’s portfolio .

The OLAF investigation also concluded, on the basis of “unambiguous pieces of circumstantial evidence”, Mr Dalli must have known of the request.

Mr Dalli has admitted that Mr Zammit, a circus impresario and restaurateur, was one of his canvassers on the 10th district at the last election.

However, he denied having any knowledge of the request for money. Mr Zammit also denied making the request.

OLAF said its investigation indicated that Mr Zammit asked for money from Swedish Match, the producer of snus, a form of tobacco consumed orally that cannot be sold in the EU except Sweden.

According to the company, Mr Zammit asked for €60 million to influence Mr Dalli to lift the European ban on snus.

It claimed €10 million was to be paid immediately and €50 million when the ban was lifted. The company reported the matter to the EU.

Mr Zammit declined to comment on Swedish Match’s claims.

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