The police are set to arraign the first group of consumers who allegedly used tampered smart meters and did not apply to Enemalta Corporation to regularise their position.

TVM said this evening that the group consists of 17 people who will face criminal action for bribing officials to tamper their meters. They will also face civil action for the recovery of the funds owed to Enemalta.

Some 100 people are being investigated, including Enemalta employees.

This will be the first time that consumers have been arraigned.

Enemalta has so far suspended 12 technicians for participating in the scheme. Some have been arraigned.

Two have been jailed for two years each and another pleaded guilty and is awaiting judgement.

An Enemalta spokesman told The Sunday Times of Malta in June that some 400 people had regularised their position and are expected to pay back €10m to the corporation.

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