A Transport Malta architect who allegedly masterminded a fraudulent scheme and pocketed nearly €93,000 from road works contracts had his house arrest lifted by a court today.

Architect Gordon Zammit had his bail deposit increased by €5,000 to €8,000 while his personal guarantee was increased by €10,000, to €30,000.

He was also ordered to sign the bail book at his hometown Sliema every day and he must be at home between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The decision was taken by Magistrate Clare Stafrace Zammit in the third hearing of the case.

Mr Zammit allegedly inflated bills of quantities issued to Transport Malta by   roadworks contractorAlfred Schembri and Sons so that he and a company director could split the difference.

Also charged in connection with the case are George Oliver Schembri, 49, from Birzebbuga, a director of  Alfred Schembri and Sons Limited, and his accounts clerk, Donald Camilleri, 36, from Tarxien.

The three men are pleading not guilty to obtaining money or property on false pretences, defrauding Transport Malta, bribery, making false declarations and money laundering. Mr Zammit alone is further charged with committing crimes he was duty-bound to prevent as a public official.

Among those who gave evidence today was Yohann Farrugia, an architect with Alfred Schembri and Sons who was shown bills of quantities for road works issued by the company. He confirmed that he had issued those bills of quantities to Transport Malta. The bills were handed to architect Zammit. Mr Farrugia said he did not know why payment was substantially higher than the bills he had issued. He could also not understand handwritten notes on the bills of quantities.

Jonathan Schembri, a project manager with the same company and nephew of the accused George Schembri also confirmed that together with architect Farrugia, he measured the roads, calculated the work done and came up with the bills of quantities. He said Mr Farrugia would then print out the bills of quantities and hand them to Gordon Zammit at Transport Malta.

Both Mr Schembri and Mr Farrugia said it appeared that machinery which was not used in the works was later included in the bills of quantities later, after they had issued the final documents.

After the evidence, defence counsel Michael Schriha requested the court to lift house arrest for Mr Zammit. The prosecution strongly objected. Police Inspector Angelo Gafa' said testimony was still pending and he feared tampering of evidence.

Dr Schriha said most of the important evidence had already been given.

The court then revised the bail arrangements.