Gaffarena property scandal: Protagonist gets top job at Lands Authority

A civil servant who had a central role in the Valletta property scandal that led to the resignation of a parliamentary secretary has been given an executive position at the Lands Authority, the Times of Malta has learnt. Charles Camilleri, who the Auditor General had found “colluded” with Mark Gaffarena in the shady Old Mint Street property deal, was appointed acting chief officer for estate management, according to a Lands Authority staff circular issued by CEO James Piscopo. This is the same office he managed prior to his resignation in the wake of the Gaffarena scandal. Mr Gaffarena had acquired €3.4 million in land and cash from the government for the expropriation of half a building valued at about €900,000. Mr Piscopo said in the circular the appointment formed part of a new team “capable of anticipating future demands and challenges”. READ: New claims by official on Gaffarena scandal In a report issued by the National Audit Office in 2016, Mr Camilleri was identified as one of the main trio of participants that led to “irregularities” that were “in clear breach of the fundamental principles of good governance, transparency and fairness”. The Auditor General said Mr...