
Seven individuals, including Keith Schembri, Konrad Mizzi, and Yorgen Fenech, pleaded not guilty to serious criminal charges linked to the Electrogas power station project.
The case follows a long-running magisterial inquiry into illicit payments linked to Fenech’s offshore company, 17 Black.
Charges, including corruption, trading in influence, criminal association, and perjury, were brought against seven people and four companies involved in the project.
Among the accused are Paul Apap Bologna, another Electrogas shareholder, Mario Pullicino, a local energy agent, and accountants Brian Tonna and Karl Cini, who allegedly orchestrated financial transfers.
Several companies, including Nexia BT, Fenech’s New Energy Supply Limited, and Pullicino’s OEGP Limited, also face charges. Maltese law allows companies to be held criminally liable, with potential fines between €20,000 and €2 million, as well as licence suspensions.
Investigators uncovered a network of financial transactions, including millions transferred between companies owned or controlled by the defendants.
Evidence suggests 17 Black received over €3 million, while payments were also traced to Chinese-linked company Macbridge.
Despite the allegations, no direct transactions were found between 17 Black and offshore firms owned by Schembri or Mizzi. Fenech’s lawyers attempted to dismiss the case, but the magistrate rejected the request.
Defence lawyers also challenged forensic experts’ findings and opposed an asset freeze sought by prosecutors.
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