A bank client has filed a judicial protest against Banif Bank, saying €8,000 were stolen from him through hacking of his account. The bank denied the claims.

Benjamin Curmi said he noticed on July 4, 2013 that €8,000 had been withdrawn from his bank account by internet banking, without his knowledge. The sum was deposited in a bank account abroad in the name of a somebody whom he did not know.

Mr Curmi said he had immediately protested to Banif Bank and after investigations by the bank, it resulted that the withdrawal was made by somebody using a Malaysia IP address.

Mr Curmi said it resulted that this unknown person had precise details to access his account and the accounts of at least three other persons.

Mr Curmi protested that Banif had refused to furnish him with all information he had requested to prove what had happened, on the pretext of confidentiality.

He said the person who accessed his account could only do so through internal information from the bank or failure of the bank’s system.

He held the bank responsible and demanded a refund of his money plus costs.

BANIF BANK'S REACTION

In a reaction, Bani Bank said the matter had been thoroughly investigated and the bank rejected all claims as unfounded in fact and at law.

"The Bank would like to assure the public that rigorous controls are applied at all times using the highest of international standards and none of its secure systems and infrastructures have ever been hacked," it said.

It said it will formally reply to all claims in the appropriate forum and will not comment further until the proceedings have followed their course.