An accomplice in the Libyan visas scandal involving former Labour Party treasurer Joe Sammut used to con the Maltese authorities by presenting void property lease agreements, a court heard today.

Evidence of this scam emerged during the hearing of the case against Ali Fauzi Ltetey, 38, of Tripoli.

The man is pleading not guilty to misappropriation, fraud and conspiring with Mr Sammut. The latter is undergoing separate proceedings in connection with fraud, misappropriation, non-observance of due diligence and forgery to enable Libyans to set up companies in Malta and become eligible for residence permits.

During today’s sitting before Magistrate Anthony Vella, police inspectors Jonathan Ferris, Lara Butters and William Scicluna testified that during a search at Mr Sammut’s office, they had found a list of 11 landlords. Questioned by the police on their connection with Mr Sammut, eight of these landlords said they were acquainted with Mr Fauzi.

The court heard how the accused used to come into an agreement with a number of landlords interested to hire their properties to Libyans.

However, once the agreement used to be signed, the accused used to notify the landlords that his clients were no longer coming to Malta. While the contracts used to be rescinded, Mr Fauzi would still present these documents to the Maltese authorities as proof that his clients had a Maltese residence.

Lawyer Arthur Azzopardi is defence counsel.