Police chief seeks purchase report in corruption row

Police Commissioner Michael Cassar has asked for an internal report on the purchase of second-hand vehicles by direct order after an Opposition MP alleged corruption.

Mr Cassar said yesterday he wanted to determine whether the correct procedures were followed after it emerged in a parliamentary reply that more than half of the procurement budget since the last election went to the same supplier on direct order.

“If I find any wrongdoing I will take action against whoever is involved,” he told this newspaper.

The information tabled in Parliament last week showed that, between March 2013 and last July, the police bought 20 second-hand motorcycles, two second-hand vans and a second-hand low loader from Regina Auto Dealer for €193,200.

Addressing Parliament during the debate on the financial estimates of the Home Affairs Ministry on Thursday, Opposition shadow minister Beppe Fenech Adami said the affair smacked of corruption.

Regina Auto Dealer was not the only supplier to benefit from a direct order, although it was the company that took the lion’s share.

From a total procurement budget of €360,945, the police spent €294,629 by direct order. Other direct order beneficiaries included Mazaga Ltd, MA Motorcycles, Lepo Garage and Auto Sales Ltd.

Eleven Ford Focus and three Skoda Actavia vehicles were bought following a tender process, the information showed.

kurt.sansone@timesofmalta.com