Most of the vehicles bought by the police between March 2013 and last July were acquired by direct order rather than through a call for tenders.
Information that was given in Parliament shows that only €66,316 out of the total €360,945 spent on vehicles was disbursed following a tender process.
Replying to a parliamentary question tabled by Nationalist deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami, Home Affairs and National Security Minister Carmelo Abela said the police bought 32 motorcycles, 17 cars, four vans and a low loader since the last general election. Of these 54 vehicles,only 14 cars were bought after a public call for tenders was issued.
Two thirds of the money paid out in direct orders covered transactions with Regina Auto Dealer.
In fact, the police bought 20 second-hand motorcycles (BMW 1200 RDT), two second-hand vans (Citroen Berlingo) and a second-hand low loader (Renault tow truck) from this car dealer for €193,200.
All purchases from Regina Auto Dealer were on a direct order.
The remaining €101,429 disbursed on direct orders were used to procure a Toyota Avensis from Michael Debono Ltd, one Citroen C3 from Michael Attard Ltd, two scooters from Mazaga Ltd, 10 scooters from MA Motorcycles, a second-hand car from Lepo Garage and two vans from Auto Sales Ltd.
A tender process was followed to purchase 11 Ford Focus and three Skoda Octavia vehicles.
The 11 Ford Focus models, purchased from Gasan Group of Companies, cost €9,319 as they were partly funded by the European Union. The Skodas were bought for €56,997 from Frank Borda Ltd.
Questions sent to the Home Affairs Ministry were still unanswered at the time of writing.