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Lands Minister’s Wife Launches Real Estate Development Company

Lands Minister's Wife Launches Real Estate Development Company
by
August 5, 2023
in NEWS Malta
312

In a surprising revelation, the wife of Lands Minister Silvio Schembri has established a property development company, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. This move comes as Silvio Schembri is responsible for overseeing public land matters and has been embroiled in controversies involving the allocation of public property to prominent developers for minimal compensation.

The Emergence of DZF Ltd

Deandra Schembri, acting as the regulator’s chief legal officer at the Malta Business Registry (MBR), registered DZF Ltd last year. The company’s official registration took place at the couple’s residence in Luqa, and it is entirely owned by the Lands Minister’s wife. Additionally, Deandra Schembri holds the position of the sole director of the newly formed company.

Company’s Objectives and Land Minister’s Involvement

DZF Ltd’s memorandum and articles of association reveal that the company’s primary focus is on property speculation. This includes activities such as acquiring and excavating building sites, construction, and the supply of construction materials. However, the intriguing aspect is that while Silvio Schembri’s name is absent from the company’s documentation, he possesses a 50% stake in the company through the community of acquests with his wife. This connection is confirmed by his asset declaration, where he acknowledges his wife’s involvement in the property development business.

Ethical Concerns and Ministerial Code of Ethics

Despite this revelation, Silvio Schembri has declined to comment on his wife’s private business venture. It remains to be seen whether he deems this situation ethical, given his role in allocating public land, both for commercial and industrial purposes. Moreover, the question arises if he sought advice from the prime minister to address any potential conflict of interest, in line with the ministerial code of ethics.

Potential Red Flags and Conflicts

Government insiders have expressed concerns about the potential conflicts of interest arising from this situation. Given that Minister Schembri routinely interacts with significant business figures seeking advantageous rates for public land development, his wife’s involvement in the same industry could lead to conflicts. The overlap extends to various aspects, including land acquisition, architectural services, valuations, and the supply of building materials.

Schembri’s Controversial Land-Related Involvements

Silvio Schembri’s tenure as the overseer of the Lands Authority and Indis Malta has been marked by controversies involving his connections to land speculators and property developers:

Dealing with Developers: The Hal Far Case

One prominent case involves developer Josef Dimech, who was granted a substantial piece of public land in Hal Far for non-related purposes. Valued at €17 million, this land was allocated by Indis Malta, chaired by Schembri’s chief canvasser, Jean Pierre Attard.

Industrial Property and Subleasing

Instances have emerged where industrial public property was subleased, contravening legal norms. Carmelo Penza, another property developer, was involved in one such deal.

Mellieha Land Scandal

In a scandalous incident, a valuable plot of public land in Mellieha, worth an estimated €12 million, was put up for tender to be transformed into residential buildings. The beneficiaries were Paul Attard, the secretary general of the Malta Developers Association, and Paul Vella, known as Tal-Ballut.

Linkages and Property Utilization

Links between Schembri and developers have also been uncovered. For instance, an apartment in Luqa, built by Paul Attard, has been utilized as Schembri’s constituency office. Additionally, another property used by Schembri in Siggiewi is owned by Anton Camilleri, an established developer.

Transfer of Public Land and Trusted Canvassers

The Lands Authority transferred land to developers, including the Zammit Tabonas and Ninu Fenech’s ventures. Schembri appointed trusted canvassers, Jean Pierre Attard, Francoise Piccione, and Roberta Albanese Dalli, to key positions within the Lands Authority and Indis Malta.

Conclusion

The revelation of the Lands Minister’s wife’s involvement in a property development company has raised valid concerns about conflicts of interest. Given Silvio Schembri’s role in public land allocation, the potential overlap between his duties and his wife’s business activities is a matter of public concern.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Lands Minister’s Wife’s Property Development Company

Who is Deandra Schembri, and what is her role in DZF Ltd?

Deandra Schembri is the wife of Lands Minister Silvio Schembri. She is the sole director and full owner of DZF Ltd, a property development company.

How is Silvio Schembri connected to DZF Ltd?

Silvio Schembri owns 50% of DZF Ltd through the community of acquests with his wife, Deandra Schembri.

What is the main focus of DZF Ltd’s business?

DZF Ltd’s main objective is property speculation, which encompasses activities such as acquiring building sites, construction, and the provision of construction materials.

What ethical concerns have arisen due to this situation?

The establishment of DZF Ltd by the Lands Minister’s wife raises ethical concerns, especially considering Silvio Schembri’s responsibility for public land matters.

Has Silvio Schembri sought advice regarding this situation?

Silvio Schembri has not commented on whether he sought advice from the prime minister regarding this potential conflict of interest, as outlined by the ministerial code of ethics.

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