Sliema mayor called in for questioning by same inspector over claims Borg Olivier told him to give GRTU waste tender

Dimech has been summoned to report to the police headquarters this morning, to be questioned by Inspector Angelo Gafà over claims that he was the victim of a “frame-up” and that Paul Borg Olivier had directed him to award a waste recovery tender to Green MT, a company owned by the Chamber of SMEs (GRTU).

Inspector Angelo Gafà is also the same police officer who interrogated Dimech on allegations that he had demanded a commission on a council contract. Dimech has claimed he admitted to the accusations “under duress” and that he was denied an inhaler during his questioning.

The police have denied allegations that he was denied an inhaler, but Dimech says he admitted to Gafà after being held in a basement cell at police HQ, and then signed a second statement of admission so that he can be released. His lawyer was not present with him at the time.

Dimech is also being questioned on statements he told the Internal Audit Investigations Department, which was running an inquiry into alleged financial mismanagement inside the Sliema council, that Borg Olivier directed him to choose Green MT: a company owned by the GRTU (Chamber of SMEs).

The company is also co-owned by GRTU director Vince Farrugia, a former PN candidate for the 2009 European Parliament elections.

Dimech told the IAID that Borg Olivier called him 15 minutes before the start of a council meeting, instructing him to choose Green MT for the €1.2 million tender.

Borg Olivier has denied the allegation. Even the GRTU issued a statement denying the claims, although the association is in no position to take a stand on a telephone conversation that took place between Dimech and Borg Olivier.

Borg Olivier has also sued MaltaToday on two separate news items dealing with the Sliema electoral district.