Transport Malta Corruption Extends Beyond Driver Theory Test, Examiners And Instructors Claim
Driving instructors and examiners have claimed that corruption within Transport Malta goes far deeper than a recent court case involving theory tests, ministers and a political party.
Examiners, who spoke to Lovin Malta on condition of anonymity, claimed that Clint Mansueto, the now-suspended director of driver permit testing and training, ruled over the section with an iron fist, making the lives of those who refused to follow his orders hell.
They claimed that corruption extended well beyond theory tests, suggesting that particular instructors who were close to Mansueto received favourable treatment when their students went for their driving tests. This included shorter times and easier, less-demanding routes.
Sources insisted that issues were raised internally over the actions of Mansueto and other collaborators. However, these were routinely ignored, while those who spoke up were isolated and treated poorly for doing so.
“Everyone knew what kind of person he was,” sources said.
“He managed to keep everything hidden from the public and protect his friends till now.”
Practices instituted by Mansueto are also now raising eyebrows following the case, particularly his decision to shorten the processing time of driving test applications.
Mansueto, Raul Antonio Pace, and local councillor Philip Edrick Zammit were charged in court over the corruption case. All three have since been suspended from the authority.
However, what has caught people’s attention is the reference to ministers and a political party.
Mansueto reportedly claimed under interrogation that he was “pressured” to pass someone as they were “working at a villa belonging to a government minister”.
His chats reportedly reveal connections with a political party that told them which candidates should pass their test.
Neither the political party nor the minister was named in court.
Prime Minister Robert Abela; Ministers Ian Borg, Chris Fearne, Clyde Caruana, Clint Camilleri, Miriam Dalli Silvio Schembri, Julia Farrugia Portelli, Owen Bonnici, Michael Falzon, Michael Farrugia and Edward Zammit Lewis have all distanced themselves from the case, as have former ministers Evarist Bartolo and Jose Herrera.
However, sources insist that some ministers who have issued denials are very much involved in the case. Meanwhile, sitting Cabinet members who have not issued denials like Anton Refalo are starting to raise eyebrows.
The current case mostly involves foreigners who were not fluent in Maltese or English. A translator assigned to them would point out the correct answers to them when they took their test.
The investigation dates back to 2020. Payments were reportedly made with cash and a diary of Mansueto has several names, ID numbers and dates of relative driving exams.
The PN has called on Robert Abela to identify the minister linked to the case and ask for their immediate resignation.
Who do you think is the Minister involved in the case?
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