PN Demands Explanation: Schembri Assets Unfrozen
Imagine this: a high-stakes game of chess, where the pawns are millions in assets, and the players are the country’s top political figures. Now, picture one of those pawns, frozen in place, suddenly unfrozen, and the Opposition is demanding answers. This isn’t a game, though. It’s real life in Malta, and the pawn in question belongs to Keith Schembri, the former Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister.
Assets Unfrozen: A Timeline
Let’s rewind to 2019. The Maltese Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) issued a freeze order on Schembri’s assets, totaling around €10 million. This was part of an investigation into money laundering allegations tied to the infamous ‘Panama Papers’ scandal. Fast forward to June 2021, and the freeze order has expired, with no charges laid against Schembri. Cue the Nationalist Party (PN) demanding explanations.
PN’s Call for Clarity
The PN, led by Bernard Grech, is calling for a full explanation from the government. They want to know why the freeze order wasn’t renewed, and why Schembri’s assets were unfrozen without any charges being laid. Grech has been vocal about this, stating, “The people of Malta deserve to know why the government allowed this to happen.”
But the government isn’t budging just yet. They’re maintaining that the decision to not renew the freeze order was based on legal advice, and that the investigation is ongoing. They’re also quick to point out that Schembri’s assets were frozen in the first place due to ‘reasonable suspicion’, not a conviction.
Schembri’s Response
Schembri, for his part, has been quiet on the matter. He’s made no public statements, and his lawyers have declined to comment. But sources close to him have been quick to point out that he’s always maintained his innocence, and that he’s cooperating fully with the investigation.
So, where does this leave us? With more questions than answers, it seems. The PN is pushing for a public inquiry, but the government is holding firm. Meanwhile, Malta’s anti-corruption watchdog, Repubblika, is calling for a full investigation into the matter.
As for Schembri, he’s been keeping a low profile. He was last seen in public in June, attending a funeral in Mosta. But the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next? Will the government renew the freeze order? Will charges be laid? .
