Former Enemalta chairman Tancred Tabone, facing charges over the oil procurement scandal, was taken to hospital on Wednesday night, the day before he was meant to appear in court.

Mr Tabone is pleading not guilty to fraud, bribery and money laundering.

His lawyer, Giannella de Marco, produced a hospital referral note to the court explaining that her client was suffering from chest pains.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit put the case off and ordered that a medical certificate was presented to the court within five days explaining Mr Tabone’s absence.

The man at the centre of the scandal, George Farrugia, a rogue oil trader who was given a presidential pardon to give information on the case, was meant to testify yesterday.

Mr Farrugia said in separate proceedings last week against Frank Sammut, a former adviser to Mr Tabone, that the latter had threatened that he either paid kickbacks or lose business.

Mr Sammut is pleading not guilty to fraud, bribery and money laundering.

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