VRT cheat admits to trading in influence

The accused admitted to police that he had influenced a VRT tester to clear an unroadworthy vehicle for its road licence

The vehicle in question, a Ford Transit, had been subject to a “stop licence” by Transport Malta (File photo)
The vehicle in question, a Ford Transit, had been subject to a “stop licence” by Transport Malta (File photo)

A man who described himself as a "collector of cars" will be sentenced tomorrow, after he admitted to having obtained certification for of an unroadworthy vehicle through dishonesty.

Godfrey Formosa, 38, from Naxxar, was charged with trading in influence, making use of certificates containing false declarations, making a false declaration to a public authority, forgery of a private writing and using a vehicle without a valid road licence before magistrate Gabriella Vella this morning. 

Formosa appeared unassisted, having admitted to police that he had influenced a VRT tester to clear an unroadworthy vehicle for its road licence.

Prosecuting inspector Sergio Pisani said the vehicle in question had failed its VRT twice before the accused, who owns a collection of cars, had contacted a VRT testing garage to make arrangements on the eve of his vehicle's inspection. Formosa had subsequently handed a copy of the VRT certificate to Transport Malta in order to be issued a road licence. 

The inspector explained that during questioning, Formosa had admitted that his car's road licence had been issued irregularly. The vehicle in question, a Ford Transit, had been subject to a “stop licence” by Transport Malta and should not have been on the road, where it was found, the inspector said.

"This is the situation,” Formosa told the magistrate.

“My workers took care of the vehicle tests. I know I am ultimately responsible, but I did not do this personally.” He confirmed that he would be pleading guilty.

The court was told that the accused had collaborated fully with the police, who said they had no objection to the minimum punishment being inflicted. 

Formosa will be sentenced tomorrow.