Building contractor, former clerk charged over multimillion tax fraud

Two of the five persons arrested by the police over fraud, money laundering and tax evasion have been arraigned on Wednesday evening

Martin Farrugia (45), a contractor residing in Rabat, and Henriette Cassar (49), a Żebbuġ resident, were allegedly involved in a €2.4 million VAT fraud.

Cassar was found to have deposited in her bank account some €960,000 in cheques while not declaring any income.

Both are accused of criminal association, making false declarations to the tax commissioner, money laundering and fraud, allegedly committed between 2012 and this year.

Farrugia and Cassar pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Gabriella Vella granted freezing orders on the assets of both, and denied their requests for bail.

Three other persons arrested and questioned by the Financial Crimes Investigations Department are set to be arraigned in the coming days.

Michael Kaden

Michael has worked in media production and journalism for two decades. The owner, editor and presenter of NEWZ is also media producer for local and international newsrooms, and has been creating and designing content for the world's leading broadcasters and entertainment companies.

Michael Kaden

Five arrested in €62m tax fraud probe