Former Enemalta chairman waives caution from the court

Former Enemalta chairman Alex Tranter wascautioned by the courts prior to giving evidence in the case against Enemalta’s former chief projects officer Ray Ferris, on charges of bribery.

Based on evidence given by oil trader turned State witness George Farrugia, Ferris, 51 of Sliema, stands charged with trading in influence, bribery and fraud.

Farrugia alleged that Ferris demanded a kickback worth €40,000 to grant his family business PowerPlan Ltd, the concession for the liberalised Petroleum Division. Farrguia also said that three silver centre-pieces had been gifted to the accused, and allegedly exchanged for a single silver tray at Victor Azzopardi Jewellers.

Ferris has denied asking for the gifts or demanding €40,000.

As Tranter took the witness stand, Magistrate Consuello Scerri Herrera cautioned him over his testimony.

“You have the right not to answer questions which could incriminate you,” the Magistrate said.

Tranter however waived the caution, saying he wanted to testify “so that the truth comes out”.

He was the only witness in the case to receive such caution.

In a very short session, Tranter told the court that he knew Ray Ferris as Enemalta’s project manager. “He also acted as a liaison officer between Enemalta and the Privatisation Unit. In my years at Enemalta I never received any complaints or report against him. I always heard words of praise and know him as a person of integrity,” he said.

Accountant Ivan Falzon also gave evidence today.  The witness formed part of the adjudication board entrusted with the privatisation of Enemalta’s petroleum division. “Ferris was responsible for providing any information required by the Privatisation Unit. I always had respect from him, never hearing any comments or rumours against him”, the witness said.

Today’s witnesses further attacked allegations by state witness George Farrugia made with police investigators. In a previous sitting, finance ministry permanent secretary Alfred Camilleri, MIMCOL chief executive Mario Mizzi, and Victoria Wilson, who worked at the Privatisation Unit, all denied being offered gifts or ever being subjected to undue pressure aimed at influencing their decision during the privatisation process of Enemalta’s Petroleum Division.

The case was previously presided by Magistrate Sivio Demicoli, but has been now passed to Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera. The workload of Magistrate Demicoli is currently being alleviated for health reasons.

Inspector Jonathan Ferris is prosecuting while lawyers Kenneth Grima and Veronique Dalli appeared on behalf of the accused.

Meanwhile, last week, Farrugia was served with a warrant of prohibitory injunction on the request of two companies run by members of his family. Raymond Farrugia claimed that his brother George owed €300,000 to family business John’s Garage and Powerplan Ltd.

Madam Justice Lorraine Schembri Orland upheld the request and issued a warrant prohibiting George Farrugia and his wife from disposing of their properties and assets. Neither of the two defendants was present at court.