The lawyer of the man at the centre of the oil procurement scandal yesterday confirmed on oath that former ambassador Tony Debono had phoned him and threatened to destroy his client.

Siegfried Borg Cole told a court he could not reveal much due to professional secrecy but he had received the call in the presence of his client, George Farrugia.

Dr Borg Cole was testifying in proceedings against former Enemalta chairman Tancred Tabone, who is pleading not guilty to fraud, bribery and money laundering in connection with the purchase of oil at Enemalta.

Mr Farrugia was given a presidential pardon in exchange for his cooperation and all the information he had on the scandal.

Details about the phone call first emerged in December when Mr Farrugia testified that Mr Debono had phoned his lawyer, Dr Borg Cole, saying the threats were made when the call was on speaker phone.

Lawyer received call in Farrugia’s presence

Mr Debono, a well-known businessman, former ambassador to Jordan and ex-Telemalta chairman, is connected to Mr Farrugia through his stint as managing director of Power Plan, the company owned by Mr Farrugia and his brothers.

Power Plan was used by Mr Farrugia to secure illicit commissions on oil deals.

Dr Borg Cole told the court yesterday that he was in the office of a third party when he received the call from Mr Debono, at a time when problems between Mr Farrugia and his brothers had started.

Mr Debono told him to watch his step as he was backed by an organisation but failed to specify which organisation it was.

The lawyer said that, after he was threatened, he terminated the call. But Mr Debono had since made an apology to him which he accepted, Dr Borg Cole said.

Mr Tabone’s lawyer Giannella de Marco questioned him on why Mr Debono had called him and asked specifically if it was regarding Mr Farrugia siphoning off funds from his brothers. Dr Borg Cole refused to answer, citing client confidentiality.

The case continues on October 6.