Former Enemalta chairman Alex Tranter said in court today that he had not questioned the integrity of the former liaison officer at the corporation, Ray Ferris, who has since been charged over his alleged involvement in the oil procurement scandal.

Taking the witness stand, Mr Tranter was cautioned by Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera so as not to incriminate himself.

Mr Ferris stands charged with trading in influence, corruption and fraud.

The case against Mr Ferris revolves around the claim that he had demanded silver gifts in order to influence the outcome of adjudication of a tender in favour of George Farrugia, the man who was granted a presidential pardon to give details on the scandal.

Testifying, Mr Tranter said that when Mr Ferris worked with the corporation he had not questioned his integrity and knew him as the liaison officer between the corporation and the privatisation unit, responsible for the privatisation of the corporation’s petroleum division.

He added that he, as chairman, had never received any complaints about Mr Ferris.

Also testifying, Ivan Falzon, an accountant who formed part of the adjudication board of the privatisation unit, said that Mr Ferris was the liaison officer between the unit and the corporation. He also said that there were never any complaints made about him.

In a previous sitting, the court heard how, Mr Farrugia had 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.

Mr Ferris at first denied having accepted anything but then admitted to taking the silver items from Mr Farrugia, the police said.

He said Mr Ferris told them that between 2007 and 2008 he was called to Mr Farrugia’s former office at his brothers’ company, John’s Garage, where he was given the items.

The case continues.