Tunisian national charged with fraud, theft and falsification offences linked to Tunisair

A Tunisian national residing in Malta has been charged with a number of financial offences allegedly committed between 2023 and previous years, involving losses exceeding €5,000 to Tunisair Express Company Limited and other parties.

Abdelaziz Oueslati, 56, of Ħal Għaxaq, was arraigned before the Court of Magistrates and accused of misappropriating money or property entrusted to him by virtue of his profession, employment or position.

According to the charges, Oueslati allegedly appropriated funds or assets that had been entrusted to him and used them for his own benefit or for the benefit of others, to the detriment of Tunisair Express Company Limited and other individuals or entities.

He is also facing charges of aggravated fraud. Prosecutors allege that he used false representations, deceptive practices, fictitious qualifications or other fraudulent means to obtain an unlawful advantage and cause financial losses exceeding €5,000.

The accused is further charged with obtaining money or benefits through deceit and with aggravated theft involving cash amounting to more than €2,329.

Additional charges relate to the alleged submission of false declarations and statements in documents intended for public authorities in order to secure an advantage for himself or third parties.

Oueslati is also accused of falsifying or manipulating accounting records, invoices and other financial documentation by allegedly including false or incomplete information concerning payments and transactions.

The prosecution has requested the confiscation of any assets, instruments or proceeds connected to the alleged offences, as well as any gains that may have resulted from the criminal activity.

Should he be found guilty, the court has also been asked to order the accused to pay the costs of the proceedings, including expert fees.

The prosecution is being led by the Office of the Attorney General together with the police.

The case remains at an early stage, and the charges have yet to be proven before the court.

Lawyers Michael Tanti Dougall and Matthew Xuereb appeared for parte civile.