Former employer sues BWSC middleman over commissions

Court marshals reported finding just a "few hundred euro" in the bank accounts of BWSC middleman Joe Mizzi, whose leaked email correspondence with the Danish firm sparked off the controversy that was the Delimara power station extension back in 2009 and 2010.

The marshals were executing a garnishee order imposed by a judge who upheld a claim by Mizzi's former employer, Associated Supplies Ltd. Today Mizzi is self-employed.

In a report filed before Madam Justice Anna Felice, the marshals reported finding nothing substantial to deposit with the court registrar, in a garnishee order issued by the directors of ASL.

Originally the local representatives for the Mitsui-owned BWSC, a technological firm based in Denmark which provided the €220 million Delimara extension, ASL is suing Mizzi for damages after he reportedly netted €4 million in commission from BWSC.

In a statement under oath before the courts and the Auditor General, ASL chairman and majority shareholder Joseph Rizzo said: "Joe Mizzi did not inform me of all the contacts and meetings he had with BWSC, Enemalta officials or other relevant authorities relating to this tender. I did not instruct him to make any political contacts. Some of his dealings with BWSC were concealed from me and targeted at advancing his personal interests and not that of ASL."

Rizzo had also been summoned before the Public Accounts Committee where he stated that in an email dated 10 May 2005, Joe Mizzi informed a BWSC chief officer, Anders Langhorn, that "we need to tap another source higher up in the political hierarchy".

The email became the start of renewed speculation about political interference in the procurement of the Delimara extension, which hinged on the choice between gas or heavy fuel oil.

Judge Felice rejected an application filed by Mizzi earlier this month to have the garnishee order revoked. The case continues.