Keith Schembri has been hospitalised to address a “very serious condition”, with his father, Alfio, also requesting to miss out on court tomorrow to be near his son. 

Schembri’s lawyer, Edward Gatt confirmed to the court that Schembri was undergoing tests this morning. Sources have suggested this morning’s procedure could be related to a biopsy. 

The results, Gatt said, will be available later tonight. Schembri will not attend tomorrow’s sitting.

Schembri has faced major health concerns in the past. Around 2015 and 2016, Schembri underwent treatment for a cancerous tumour in his eye. 

His battle with cancer was featured in the case against Yorgen Fenech over the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. It has been revealed that Fenech and Schembri travelled together to the Mayo Clinic in the US for treatment.

Fenech paid two bills for Schembri’s health costs: one costing €10,000, and another €14,000.

Schembri’s health condition was reported extensively by Caruana Galizia, who reported he had contracted a “fatal illness” as early as 2015.

She had revealed how Schembri had stayed at Casa di Cura Mater Dei, a private hospital in Rome’s Parioli neighbourhood between 22th and 24th April 2016. This was around the time that the Panama Papers had revealed Schembri to have a secret offshore company.

Schembri is currently facing charges concerning money laundering and corruption. He is still under investigation for his potential role in the Caruana Galizia murder.

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