The Chetcuti Cauchi law firm today denied obtaining illegal advantages for clients wanting to obtain Maltese citizenship, adding also that the firm never accepted clients with a criminal record.
Recently, a TV programme transmitted on the French station M6 contained allegations and insinuations about Chetcuti Cauchi’s handling of IIP applications. As a result, the firm’s license was temporarily suspended and the regulators are currently looking into the matter. A request for a magisterial inquiry has also been made.
In a statement signed by managing partner Jean-Philippe Chetcuti, the firm categorically denied all these allegations and insinuations. “We always acted professionally, ethically and with utmost diligence, and we never broke the law. We are fully cooperating with the competent authorities, as is our obligation. We will continue to do so until the truth we already know is vindicated,” the statement said.
“The time will come when I will gladly answer all media questions”, Chetcuti Cauchi said. “Today I prefer to allow all public institutions concerned to discharge their duties in total freedom and serenity.”
The managing partner said at this point he wanted to limit himself to the following:
“I deny that I promised to obtain any illegal advantage for our clients. I equally deny that I ever spoke to politicians to illegally intervene on our clients’ behalf.
“It is a fact that no client of ours whose application for a Maltese passport was rejected has ever had this rejection overturned.
“We have never accepted clients with a criminal record. In addition, none of our clients has ever had his or her citizenship revoked because of criminal convictions after citizenship was granted. In any case, IIP rules themselves automatically disqualify applicants with a criminal record or who are being prosecuted for a criminal offence.”
The firm currently employs 140 people – all professionals in their respective fields – who support their families through our firm. Allow me to make one heartfelt appeal on their behalf.
“We have no difficulty to open our doors to scrutiny by public institutions. Let them do all the work that the law obliges them to do. It does not worry us. The only thing I ask is that the review of our license is carried out in the shortest time possible. The livelihoods of 140 families are at stake,” the statement said.
