Former Enemalta official exchanged silver trays gifted by oil trader

Azzopardi Jewellers owner Victor Azzopardi presented court with invoices drawn up by PowerPlan Ltd that showed that oil trader George Farrugia had purchased silver items.

These silver items, three silver centerpieces costing Lm1,100 (€2,560) each, were gifted to Enemalta's former chief projects officer Ray Ferris. Ferris had however returned them to the jeweller and exchanged them for an antique silver tray.

Ferris, 51 of Sliema, is facing trial over charges of alleged corruption.

Taking the witness stand for the second time in the same case, Azzopardi said Farrugia was a regular customer.

"Every year at around Christmas time he would come and purchase gifts. But we never saw him throughout the rest of the year," the jeweller said.

An invoice dated 26 December 2007 was traced proving Farugia purchased three silver centrepieces each costing LM1,100 (€2,560 ).

A year later, on 19 December 2008, the oil trader bought €2000 worth of silver gifts including centerpieces, plates, bowls, candelabra and two clocks. In both cases, cheques were signed by George Farrugia and invoices issued to PowerPlan Ltd.

A number of the gifts were allegedly given to Ferris by Farrugia. However Enemalta's former chief projects officer admitted to exchanging them for an antique silver tray.

This was today confirmed by the jeweller, who said Ferris had called at his shop asking to exchange silverware previously purchased by Farrugia.

Ferris had previously denied being involved in any act of corruption, but during interrogations he admitted to having received three gifts made of sterling silver Farrugia.

Farrugia alleged Ferris had asked him for €40,000 for help in the adjudication of a bid for Enemalta's petroleum division to Powerplan Ltd.

According to Farrugia, Ferris had also asked for gifts to be given to the board members.

The case continues on 21 January 2014.