Labour want Austin Gatt questioned by police - Ministry: Frank Sammut had contract terminated eight years ago

Labour spokesman Evarist Bartolo said this afternoon that the police should call in minister Austin Gatt for questioning over the Oil Procurement Board he had set up, and how it was open to abuse. He was speaking at a press conference. Earlier, the Finance Ministry said that Frank Sammut, the person at the centre of controversy over kickbacks for oil purchases, had his contract with Mediterranean Offshore Bunkering Ltd terminated in 2004. He had been appointed managing director of the company in 1997. Mr Sammut was never an employee of Enemalta but was a member of its board until 1990 and consultant until 1994. Yesterday, Infrastructure Minister Austin Gatt said he was never tipped off about anyone taking kickbacks or engaging in corruption. It was reported yesterday that Frank Sammut, a member of the Oil Procurement Board, received thousands of dollars from Dutch oil firm Trafigura that supplied Enemalta with its fuel oil requirements. The case dates back to 2004. The prime minister has asked the police to investigate Dr Gatt said that in 2004 the board was enlarged to 10 members, who included Mr Sammut and representatives of the Finance Ministry, the oil division, the Central...