The defence lawyer of two men charged with bribery in a case revealed through the Enemalta oil purchasing scandal insisted yesterday that all business deals with a State bunkering firm were above board.

Stephen Tonna Lowell said this while cross-examining the secretary of oil bunkering company MOBC, Hugh Attard Montalto.

He is appearing for Cassar Ship Repair chairman Anthony Cassar and Virtù Ferries director Francis Portelli, charged with bribery, taking a private interest in an adjudication process and money laundering.

The police allege the accused were aware that former MOBC chairman Tancred Tabone and its former CEO Frank Sammut were silent partners in the firm IOBL that was chartering oil barges to MOBC.

Dr Tonna Lowell asked the witness to confirm whether an oil barge chartering tender had been submitted by Oarsman Limited, a subsidiary of IOBL, through the normal channels. The witness answered in the affirmative, adding, to further questions, that the company had the best bid.

Mr Attard Montalto also confirmed that IOBL had normal commercial rates for oil storage and was not given any favourable treatment.

The case continues.

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