AG and police to testify in Zenith double jeopardy case

A judge presiding over a double jeopardy case filed by the directors of Zenith Finance, has turned down objections by the Attorney General and police to testify, ordering them to appear at the next sitting to answer questions. 

The decision was delivered on Friday by Madam Justice Miriam Hayman in constitutional proceedings where Lorraine Falzon and Matthew Pace are claiming that their rights were breached when they were targeted by criminal action for alleged money laundering after their company had already settled a hefty administrative fine. 

The applicants’ lawyers are challenging that criminal action, especially after an inspector from the police financial crimes unit testified that Falzon and Pace had been charged in their personal capacity even though “from day one” the prosecution knew that they had made no personal illicit gains. 

Moreover, they are claiming that the company, formerly known as MFSP Financial Management Ltd, had settled a €38,750 fine slapped by the FIAU in 2018 in connection with administrative shortcomings “identical” to the facts triggering criminal charges in their regard. 

Since charges were issued in the name of the ‘Republic of Malta’ and since it...