JOSEPH SAMMUT: THE ARCHITECT OF GROGNET STREET

Joseph (Joe) Sammut is a Maltese accountant and former National Treasurer of the Labour Party. His office at Grognet Street, Mosta, became the epicenter of a massive regulatory scandal involving the creation of hundreds of "shell" companies for Libyan nationals.

• The Residency Facade: Sammut’s primary service for Libyan clients was the facilitation of Maltese residency permits which in many cases became full passports. To qualify, Libyans were required to show a significant investment (usually €100,000) in a Maltese company.

• Mass Registration: At its peak, Grognet Street hosted between 200 and 800 companies. Many of these existed only on paper, with no employees or physical operations. But all retained their residence status and many got a passport.

https://offshoreleaks.icij.org/nodes/58005901

https://daphnecaruanagalizia.com/2015/08/labour-partys-former-treasurer-and-gaddafi-accountant-joe-sammut-to-be-charged-today/

https://daphnecaruanagalizia.com/2011/03/professional-secrecy-doesnt-stop-smokin-joe-from-bragging-he-just-doesnt-want-to-say-whether-the-gaddafis-are-his-paymasters/

https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2015-08-20/newspaper-leader/Dodgy-dealings-Joe-Sammut-due-diligence-and-institutional-failings-6736140789

https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2015-08-21/local-news/MFSA-had-no-reason-to-doubt-registration-of-companies-by-Joe-Sammut-6736140851

https://timesofmalta.com/article/sammut-accused-police-of-hindering-investment.583069

(TVM News)