The majority of landlords of the addresses featuring on fake lease agreements told the police they were aware that their properties were used in the application process for residency permits, a magistrate heard yesterday.
Although they said they had been approached by a Libyan national by the name of Ali, the bogus lease agreements were attached to applications of companies registered by the office of accountant and auditor Joe Sammut. Only one of them said he had received payments.
The details of the police investigation were given by Police Inspector Lara Butters as she testified during the compilation of evidence against Mr Sammut.
Only one of them said he had received payments
The 58-year-old former Labour Party treasurer and candidate stands accused of helping Libyans set up companies in Malta in order to obtain residency permits using forged documents and fraudulent means. Mr Sammut, of St Paul’s Bay, is also charged with misappropriation and non-observance of the due diligence expected of him in his professional capacity.
Inspector Butters told Magistrate Doreen Clarke how investigations had revealed a total of 14 addresses that featured on the majority of applications vetted by police. Some of them were vacant properties, she said.
The inspector said the police spoke to all 10 landlords. One of them, Conrad Pisani, who was behind three addresses, admitted his involvement and explained how the Libyan, Ali, had approached him regarding his properties.
He told police his car wash business was not doing so well at the time and he needed cash.
Mr Pisani accepted having his address used and admitted that he knew it was a bogus lease agreement. He twice received €50 payments.
The inspector said Mr Pisani also admitted forging his father's signature on the lease agreements. His father knew nothing of these deals, the inspector said.
The case continues next month. Police inspectors Jonathan Ferris also prosecuted.
Lawyers Michael Schiriha, Franco Galea, Simon Micallef Stafrace and Martin Fenech appeared for Mr Sammut.