Local Café Owner Battles €160K Security Bill
Local Business Owner Fights Back After €160,000 Security Bill
Imagine running a bustling café in the heart of Malta’s vibrant Rabat, only to find yourself slapped with a €160,000 bill for security and clerical services you never requested. This is the reality facing local businessman, Joe Camilleri, owner of the popular ‘Café Luna’ on Republic Street.
An Unexpected Invoice
Camilleri received a shock when he was presented with an invoice from a private security firm, claiming they had been providing services to his café for over a year. “I was stunned,” he told Hot Malta. “I’ve never heard of this company, and I certainly didn’t ask for their services.”
The invoice, dated June 2021, detailed a range of services including security personnel, clerical assistance, and even ‘event management’ – all supposedly provided to Café Luna. The total bill? A whopping €160,000.
Fighting Back
Camilleri wasn’t about to pay up without a fight. He immediately contacted the police and engaged a lawyer. “I’m a small business owner,” he said. “I can’t afford to pay €160,000 for services I didn’t ask for or receive.”
His lawyer, Maria Azzopardi from the firm Azzopardi & Associates, has since filed a complaint with the Malta Police Force’s Economic Crimes Unit. She believes this could be a case of fraudulent invoicing. “We’re seeing an increase in these types of cases,” Azzopardi told Hot Malta. “Businesses need to be vigilant and check their invoices carefully.”
In the meantime, Camilleri has set up a petition on Change.org, calling on the government to investigate and put an end to such practices. “I’m not just fighting for myself,” he said. “I’m fighting for every small business owner in Malta who could be targeted next.”
As of press time, the petition has gathered over 2,500 signatures.
Preventing Future Incidents
To prevent similar incidents, Azzopardi advises business owners to:
- Carefully check all invoices before paying.
- Ensure you have a clear understanding of the services you’re paying for.
- Report any suspicious invoices to the police immediately.
Hot Malta will continue to follow this story as it develops. If you’ve experienced a similar issue, please contact us at [email protected].
