Robert Aquilina’s new book on Pilatus Bank reveals ‘evidence of cover-up’

In his new book ‘Pilatus: A Laundromat Bank in Europe’, Repubblika president Robert Aquilina alleges a “cover-up” of the persecution of top officials of the shuttered bank.

According to Aquilina’s book, elements within the Malta Police Force and the Office of the Attorney General decided not to prosecute several persons and discussed reasons to justify why they would not charge them.

An inquiry led by Magistrate Ian Farrugia recommended prosecuting the bank and 6 of its top officials, but only money laundering reporting officer Claude-Anne Sant Fournier has been charged.

Risk manager Antoniella Gauci, whose family has close ties to Robert Abela, and operations supervisor Mehmet Tasli have benefitted from a ‘nolle prosequi’ – a notice that prosecution is being abandoned.

The book also reveals the reaction of former deputy police commissioner Alexandra Mamo to the news of the nolle prosequi, replying “Thank you would be an understatement”.

Only handwritten transcriptions of emails are reproduced in the book, in order to protect his sources, Robert Aquilina explained.

“Of course, I haven’t solved the puzzle, but I am contributing information in the hope that we can do so, one day”, Aquilina told Andrew Azzopardi on 103 Malta’s Heart.

A book launch was held on Saturday morning, before a packed house at the Aula Magna at the Valletta University campus.

Pilatus: A Laundromat Bank in Europe, written by Robert Aquilina, has been published by Midsea Books and can be purchased from all leading bookshops or online.

“This book is a treasure trove of information and documentation, which Dr Aquilina has received from various confidential sources. This information has been brought together and enriched with the personal insights and professional knowledge that he has brought to the table. This book opens a window and shines light on some very dark corners and will help readers reach their own conclusions as to whether the claim that ‘Maltese institutions are working’ has any veracity at all.”