Three Enemalta employees were this afternoon charged with tampering with electricity meters.
The men are Marvin Cucciardi, 37, from Zurrieq, Abraham Muscat, 54, from Zabbar and Lewis Sant, 54, from Dingli. They were charged with damaging electricity meters, threatening a third party, accepting bribes and abuse of their position.
Before Magistrate Marseanne Farrugia, the men pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them. Mr Muscat and Mr Sant were remanded in custody because of fears they would tamper with evidence after the court heard how they had allegedly threatened a consumer who was helping the police with the investigations.
The court was told, however, that Mr Cucciardi had cooperated with the police and there was no risk of interference. He also admitted to everything in his statement to the police.
He was granted bail against a deposit of €2,000 and a personal guarantee of €10,000. His assets were also placed under a freezing order.
Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi appeared for Mr Cucciardi, Michael and Lucio Sciriha for Mr Muscat and Carlos Bugeja and Keith Borg defended Mr Sant. Lawyers Angie Muscat and Marion Camilleri appeared in parte civile for Enemalta.
Police Inspectors Daniel Zammit and Roderick Zammit prosecuted.