Falzon Group demands release of vessel involved in fuel smuggling

A subsidiary company of Falzon Group presented a judicial protest against various authorities over the MT Santa Maria vessel, which was confiscated in connection with allegations of smuggled fuel.

S.L. Maria Navigation Ltd argued the vessel has been kept at Boiler Wharf since 2^nd July. Following an inquiry by Magistrate Edwina Grima, the Police Commissioner had requested the vessel to be impounded. Nonetheless, no charges or evidence have been raised against the owners.

Police interrogated the directors of Falzon Group, Carmelo and Joseph Falzon, over the possession of 168,000 litres of diesel on the Santa Maria Vessel. They were released on bail.

Falzon Group argued that it has outstanding commitments that entail the use of MT Santa Maria. With the seizure of this vessel, the company is incurring serious financial losses, endangering the livelihood of over 100 employees.

The lawyers said that the reputation of the company in the maritime sector is also at stake.

The judicial protest reads that the Commissioner of Police, the Harbour Master, the Court Registrar, the Comptroller of Customs, Transport Malta and the Attorney General will be kept responsible for all losses the company sustains following the confiscation of its vessel.