Prison warder investigated over ties with convict's commercial interests

Warder Patrick Xuereb was interrogated by the police and has been suspended from duty pending a decision by the Public Service Commission over his links to Charles Muscat, known as ‘Il-Pips’.

MaltaToday is informed that the investigation into Xuereb’s  ‘second job’ was prompted after his name appeared on the Malta Financial Services website as the administrator of health services company Isle Healthcare Services which was formed last year.

The company rents ambulances for major public events, including concerts and parties.

It transpires that the company belongs to the son of Charles Muscat, who is awaiting trial over his alleged involvement in a conspiracy with other known inmates at Corradino Prisons, to import four kilogrammes of cocaine from the Netherlands through Italy.

Although the company is publically registered in Muscat’s son’s name, the alleged familiarity of warder Patrick Xuereb with the released inmate has raised eyebrows and triggered an immediate investigation by police and prison authorities.

MaltaToday is informed that Patrick Xuereb is also under investigation by the Public Service Commission as the law governing civil servants states that one cannot be involved in private companies unless authorised.

Xuereb reportedly told his interrogators that the code regulating prison staff precludes contacts with inmates, but not with their family members.

MaltaToday is informed that prison authorities are requesting the Public Service Commission dismiss Xuereb from his job on the basis of breach of contract.