A renowned jeweller yesterday said the man at the centre of the oil procurement scandal had bought silver objects worth €7,600 from him, which the police claim were used as bribes.

Taking the witness stand, Joseph Azzopardi of Victor Azzopardi Jewellers said he had tracked down a cheque given to him by George Farrugia, who purchased the items on Decem-ber 26, 2007.

Mr Farrugia was given a presidential pardon earlier this year to reveal all he knows about illegal commissions being paid to secure oil tender contracts.

He had bought three items worth some €2,500 each. Another purchase was made on December 19, 2008, which amounted to some €2,000, he added.

Mr Azzopardi testified in the case against Ray Ferris, a former Enemalta liaison officer, who police say accepted the ornaments to influence a tender adjudicating board.

Mr Ferris is pleading not guilty to trading in influence, corruption and fraud.

He allegedly received a crystal and silver centrepiece and two bonbonnières.

Mr Ferris insisted he had demanded nothing and that Mr Farrugia had told him to take the items and give them to members of the adjudicating board to make sure he won a massive tender.

However, Mr Farrugia told investigators that Mr Ferris had approached him and asked for “four lovely silver gifts” and for a further €40,000 if he won the tender.

The case continues.