‘We Have Bobby Behind Us’
Christian Borg, the man accused of suspected kidnapping and allegedly under investigation for money laundering, is involved in a large racket involving a Transport Malta and LESA official, said Deputy Jason Azzopardi.
Speaking in an update speech, Azzopardi claimed that the racket has been running since 2014 and is centered around Goldcar, a car rental company linked to Borg.
Borg was after the concession. Gold Car’s rental director is Luke John Milton, who is a business partner of Christian Borg and has also been charged with kidnapping.
According to Azzopardi, the traffic fines imposed by tourist customers are paid to Goldcar, but somehow they never reach Transport Malta. There were hundreds of thousands of fines involved in this racket, which saw almost € 3 million in fines paid to Goldcar but never reached TM.
Officers involved in the scheme allegedly ensured that the contraventions disappear from the system with Azzopardi promising to give all the necessary details to the police.
Azzopardi hinted that Borg could operate with relative impunity because of his relationship with his friend and legal adviser, Prime Minister Robert Abela.
Azzopardi claimed that the Financial Crimes Investigation Department is currently in possession of a recorded telephone conversation in which Borg says he is an accomplice:
“Don’t worry, we have Bobby behind us”
The Deputy also alleged that at least eight months ago, a member of Abela’s family was seen driving in a car registered under the name Borg. However, it is unclear whether this was a paid rental car.
Abela’s ties did not end there, with Azzopardi claiming that Princess Operations, which counts Borg as director, won a major tender to provide 38 low-emission vehicles, two self-drive cars, and a single cargo van during the term of office of the Prime Minister.
“People have a right to know the exact connection between Abela and Borg,” he said.
He concluded by saying that it was clear why Abela opposed a bill that would make the criminal association of the mafia a serious crime and empower the police more to investigate money laundering and corruption.
Abela confirmed to the Times of Malta who once participated in a sales promise agreement assigned to one of Christian Borg’s companies. Borg was recently released from custody because he saw a man abducted, beaten and threatened.
Borg and several of the men involved in the case are reportedly under investigation for drug smuggling and money laundering.
Still, questions have been raised about the property deal itself, which has been said to be a potential loophole for tax avoidance. There are concerns that criminal groups could use the promise of sale agreements for illicit purposes and tax abuse.
Lovin Malta sent a request for comment from Abela. Lovin Malta also invited Abela for an interview, but this has so far been ignored.
What do you think about the claims?