'Typing error' by Maltese agent causes Malta embarrassment over arms exports to Libya

A ‘typing error’ in documentation submitted to the government by a Maltese shipping agent of the vessel transporting the cargo of an Italian arms manufacturing firm, has led to Malta being erroneously put into the spotlight by a European report that alleged €80 million - rather than €8 million - worth of weapons transited through Malta from Italy to Libya in 2009.

Director of Information Martin Bugelli claimed that contrary to what many may have assumed, Malta had only issued a transit export licence to weapons firm Beretta, and the arms were never physically in Malta.

In a letter to the The Times yesterday, Italian ambassador Luigi Marras questioned government’s explanation and said that Italy had only exported €8 million worth of small arms to Libya in November 2009.

Bugelli claimed that company’s shipping agent, WJ Parnis England, has formally admitted it had made a “typing error on the documentation submitted to the Maltese government.”

In an official letter, which the government received from the agents earlier today and which it made public, the company admitted that an “extra 0” had been inadvertently typed in.

MaltaToday is informed that shortly after knowing of the Italian ambassadors official reply, an investigation was launched and the local agents found the mistake.

A government spokesman argued that the whole issue was a “storm in a teacup.”