PN MP David Agius blasted Prime Minister Robert Abela, saying that no action has been taken following the disability benefits scandal that has rocked the nation in recent weeks.

“Robert Abela has taken no steps against the Minister responsible for this scandal that has triggered anger in the people, and those involved in politics,” he said in a statement.

“Not only was the minister not kicked out by Robert Abela, but now he says that things are back to business as usual, because it seems not many people were benefitting from the thousands of euro taken from the taxes of people.”

“These are the same people that are victims of fraud led by the Labour government.”

The racket in question links former Labour MP Silvio Grixti to a fraudulent scheme that saw the granting of severe disability benefits to undeserving persons.

According to Abela, the police were informed of the case through individuals within Kastilja some time ago. Investigations within the claims are currently ongoing while an extensive Times of Malta report revealed the involvement of Grixti in the fraud racket.

“I am convinced that no MP in any way participated, or directed someone to commit irregularities,” Abela said.

The allegations say that nearly 900 people benefitted from a “coordinated criminal system” where they would be offered medical benefits of up to €450 per month for conditions they did not have – supposedly in exchange for votes ahead of elections such as the Local Council, MEP, and even General Elections.

Beneficiaries of the scheme would provide falsified documents which would then lead them to sit down in front of a Social Security board in Santa Venera. In a matter of minutes, they would be entitled to the monthly benefits, former PN MP Jason Azzopardi claimed in a recent Jon Mallia podcast.

Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon is politically responsible for said benefits distributed by the government. However, he firmly washed his hands of responsibility for the matter.

“If there was political responsibility to assume for it, it was assumed by Silvio Grixti,” Falzon said. “We’re both Christians. If one of us kills someone, should the Pope resign?” he said in a radio interview on Sunday.