All Panama Leaks tax cases still under investigation - Tax Compliance Unit

The Commissioner for Revenue has denied as “purely speculative” news reports that the audits into the accounts of Konrad Mizzi, Keith Schembri and Brian Tonna have been reopened.

“With respect to allegations made in all cases, these are both unfounded and purely speculative and do not reflect the way in which such cases are investigated. The Tax Compliance Unit (TCU) confirms that no audit cases were closed and reopened.”

Earlier today, it had been reported that the Tax Compliance Unit had reopened a tax audit involving Konrad Mizzi, Keith Schembri and Brian Tonna, following allegations that accounts at Pilatus Bank might have been used for kickbacks.  A previous audit had been completed but had only inspected BOV and HSBC accounts, the report explained.

However this report was dismissed in an afternoon press release issued by the Commissioner for Revenue.

“Following reports carried by the media speculating about investigations carried out by the TCU, both the Commissioner for Revenue and Director General Tax Compliance Unit reiterate that the tax authorities do not comment on the outcomes of individual cases.

In the case of the Panama Leaks, the tax authorities have already informed the media that investigations on each case are underway, as per regular practices whenever a possible breach is flagged, publicly or otherwise," it said.