Updated | MIA to probe leaked departure of Chinese billionaire
Government representatives protest with Malta International Airport after Chinese billionaire finds Maltese journalists waiting for him.
An unnamed Chinese billionaire who visited Malta this afternoon found journalists waiting for him at the Malta International Airport, prompting an internal investigation by the MIA.
The billionaire, who according to the PN's TV station NET TV is interested in purchasing a Maltese passport, came to Malta on his private jet.
But as he was walking in through the airport to leave for Paris, he found a camera and a journalist waiting for him. It is believed the media had been advised of his arrival at the airport by a senior MIA official. Present with the PN media was PN president of the administrative council Karol Aquilina.
The unexpected presence of the media led senior government officials to protest with MIA over the leak. MIA's chief executive officer is expected to hold an internal inquiry after the government's complaint was filed.
It is believed the billionaire owns a successful independent financial intermediary company in China.
The footage of the Chinese's arrival featured on NET TV. According to a maltarightnow report, the Chinese billionaire "panicked" when he saw the cameras and an Italian who accompanied the man attempted to stop them from filming. It was also alleged that the Italian tried to buy the footage in order to convince them not to air it.
NET TV also reported that the group received "preferential treatment" after they were allowed to pass through the crew gates.
Malta International Airport said it was taking these claims very seriously and that under no circumstances would MIA employees be aware of these passengers' details, whether travelling on a private, commercial or any other aircraft using our facilities.
"The only information Malta International Airport employees are privy to are aircraft type, country of origin, destination, arrival and departure times, number of passengers and handling agent.
"Reports stating that the group received preferential treatment are incorrect since the group gained access to their aircraft as per usual procedures, accompanied by their Handling Agent respecting passenger and cabin security regulations," a spokesperson for MIA said.
Journalists were not given access to any areas where filming is restricted. All filming was performed in public areas, which are also non-security restricted areas of the airport.