Josef Dimech denies gifting apartment to Silvio Schembri

Josef Dimech sent a letter to The Maltese Herald denying he gifted an apartment to Minister for the Economy Silvio Schembri. His denial comes after the article mentioned the story in reference to Jason Azzopardi’s request for a Magisterial Inquiry over the wealth of Minister Schembri.

Scrutiny is increasing over Minister Schembri who accumulated a significant amount of wealth during his tenure as Minister with his wife even forming a property development company. He is suspected of hiding and receiving wealth through various third-parties. A Magisterial Inquiry would undoubtedly provide more light on his financial affairs.

Currently, the Labour government is withholding the publication of the declaration of assets of its MPs.

Right of Reply

Dear Editor,

Reference is made to the article titled “Jason Azzopardi files his latest request for a Magisterial Inquiry: the unknown origins of the wealth of the Minister for the Economy” published on the 12th January 2025 on your online portal at

https://themalteseherald.com/2025/01/12/jason-azzopardi-files-his-latest-request-for-a-magisterial-inquiry-the-unknown-origins-of-the-wealth-of-the-minister-for-the-economy/#goog_rewarded.

I write on behalf of Mr. Josef Dimech.

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In relation thereto, I am exercising my rights at Law to rebut the allegations therein made and submit my reaction to the same.

Kindly note that contrary to what is stated, neither myself in my personal capacity nor any company in which I am owner leases or has leased any property to Minister Schembri. Therefore, any allegation that there is a commercial relationship of landlord and tenant with Minister Silvio Schembri in relation to an apartment in Ta’ Xbiex is unfounded in fact and at Law. In addition and for the avoidance of any doubt, Minister Schembri does not occupy, under any title or gratuitously or on tolerance, any property owned by me or any of the companies in which I am owner.

Furthermore, it is to be emphasised that all and any activities being undertaken and yet to be undertaken at the site allocated to one of my companies in Hal Far are qualifying activities in terms of the applicable Law and policies, which fact has been confirmed by the competent authorities.

Whilst thanking you in advance for publishing my reply, I remain

Yours truly,

Josef Dimech

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Sincerely,

Franco Azzopardi

Group CEO & Director

JD Holdings LTD

JD Capital PLC

Mark Camilleri

Website Editor
Historian and Publisher