The Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) has long been at the forefront of financial investigations, especially when media reports raise red flags. Time and again, the FIAU has collaborated with international counterparts to trace money flows. But today, Malta faces a crisis where its entire court system is under threat.
Close to €20 million in payments were made to Harbinson Forensics Ltd for work on the Hospitals and Electrogas Inquiries. Following these inquiries, the Court Experts who raked in millions immediately began liquidating both Harbinson Forensics, owned by Jeremy Harbinson, and Samuel Sittlington’s Fraud Company Limited.
Jeremy Harbinson
Harbinson’s outright refusal to cooperate, notwithstanding being the lead expert and his attempt to walk away without explanation, speaks volumes. These actions, combined with the liquidation of these companies, strongly suggest an effort of a cover up and destruction of evidence.
Sam Sittlington
Both Harbinson Forensics and Fraud Company Limited are shell companies, staffed only by their shareholders. Harbinson owns other companies and a trust, while Sittlington was caught setting up a company in the opaque jurisdiction of Guyana and was fired by the UK government. Media investigations have already uncovered billing irregularities and deceit surrounding the billing in these inquiries.
The circa €20 million trail from Maltese taxpayers has been obscured through convoluted networks of entities. The primary recipients of these funds are firms which have not submitted full financial statements (just a superficial balance sheet) and have not been subjected to audits.
Yesterday, we urged the Police Commissioner to launch an urgent investigation before crucial evidence is lost in the ongoing parallel liquidation processes. The Police can now probe these suspicious activities, but their success depends on the FIAU’s expertise, resources, and international connections to untangle the complex web of financial transfers.
The liquidation of Harbinson Forensics Ltd and Samuel Sittlington’s Fraud Company Limited raises alarms. These companies are at the heart of ongoing court scandals that demand thorough, well-resourced investigations. The stakes are high, with potential charges of financial misconduct, money laundering, fraud, tax evasion, criminal conspiracy, and perversion of the course of justice.
Director Alfred Zammit of the FIAU must act swiftly and decisively, leaving no stone unturned.
