Oil trader George Farrugia was fined €70 for contempt of court this morning when he did not turn up for a case. The court also issued a warrant for his arrest. However Mr Farrugia was forgiven when he arrived 30 minutes late, and blamed traffic.

Mr Farrugia gave evidence in the case instituted against Anthony Cassar and Francis Portelli in the oil procurement scandal. Mr Cassar and Mr Portelli, directors of Bunker Oils Ltd, stand accused of money laundering and trading in influence.

He said that although he was present for meetings with Mr Cassar, Mr Portelli and Frank Sammut, he did not negotiate oil prices with them but accompanied his principals to meetings.

The meetings he attended were about oil purchases by IBOL from Total and Totsa and storage in facilities belonging to MOBC, represented by Frank Sammut.

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