Updated: Cabinet approves presidential pardon in oil procurement case

The Cabinet agreed tonight to recommend the granting of a presidential pardon for businessman George Farrugia in return for information on the Enemalta oil procurement scandal. The government said in a statement that the Cabinet had accepted the advice of the Attorney General and the Police Commissioner. The Cabinet met soon after the prime minister arrived from the European Union summit. The Attorney General and the Police Commissioner were present. Mr Farrugia, formerly CEO of John’s Garage group, has requested a pardon in return for evidence against a ring thought to be involved in the case. He is being represented by lawyers Franco Debono and Siegfried Borg Cole. The police are investigating claims that several persons were involved in kickbacks from the sale of oil to Enemalta. Police are keen for the added information that Mr Farrugia could bring but already have ample evidence to secure convictions. Court action is expected to be taken against key suspects and several companies related to the probe. This action cannot be reported on under the terms of the Money Laundering Act. The investigation is following two avenues. One concerns the commissions allegedly taken by...