The government said today it had asked the police to investigate an allegation made in MaltaToday yesterday about the payment of a commission for the acquisition of the former Cafe’ Premier in Valletta.
The newspaper reported that an amicable settlement had been reached for the acquisition by the government of the cafe’s 65-year emphyteusis for €4.2 million. The landmark cafe, which has closed down, was €307,346 in arrears to the government property division; €504,000 in capital gains tax; €192,748 in income tax and social security payments; €227,058 in VAT; €130,963 in energy bills, the newspaper said.
It also owed considerable amounts to its creditors and a bank.