Former Enemalta technician jailed over smart meter rigging

A former Enemalta technician undergoing proceedings in connection with last year’s smart meter tampering scandal has been jailed for two-and-a-half years and fined €10,000 after he admitted to accepting bribes to tamper electricity meters. 

48-year old Richard Gauci, from Rabat, had been due to appear in court today for the ongoing compilation of evidence against him. However, once in court, Gauci instead pleaded guilty to the charges. 

Magistrate Carol Peralta heard Gauci admit to accusations of accepting bribes for the installation of meters. He is expected to have pocketed an average of €1,200 for each installation. 

Peralta solemnly warned Gauci that pleading guilty would have grave consequences, but the man reiterated his plea.

Gauci was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and fined €10,000. A temporary freezing order over his assets was also put in place pending payment of the fine. Gauci was also placed under a perpetual general interdiction. 

The case against other former Enemalta employees who are also charged with the same crime will continue.

Police Inspectors Daniel and Roderick Zammit prosecuted. Lawyer Joe Sammut defended Gauci.