Jason Azzopardi Accuses Minister Galdes Of Fraud Over Penthouse Purchase
Jason Azzopardi accused Minister for Affordable Housing Minister Roderick Galdes of fraud amid allegations of improper ties with contractors.
Galdes purchased the shell-form duplex penthouse and garage from Excel Investments, owned by developers Joseph Portelli, Mark Agius and Daniel Refalo. The final deed was signed in January 2025 according to Times of Malta.
“This means that Galdes was supposed to pay stamp duty based on the value of the penthouse, garage, and area in 2025! This is a very serious crime and is aggravated because Galdes is a public official (Article 92 of the Criminal Code),” wrote Azzopardi on Facebook.
He went on to say that the value listed in the 2025 contract is only €140,000 and that its value is not that but higher. He also accused Prime Minister Robert Abela of defending a Minister that allegedly committed fraud.
Galdes maintains that he “reserved” the property in 2021, prior to the project receiving planning approval. He also stated that he has submitted his asset declarations annually since first becoming a member of parliament in 2004.
The stamp duty law states that the duties (stamp duty) to be paid must be based on the market value at the time the final contract is made.
What do you make of Azzopardi’s comments?
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