On 20 October 2011, the accused allegedly called VAT inspector Vince Vella to his office and spoke to him about a case. Vella was investigating Mark Anthony Tabone and had asked him to provide a 'sales ledgers’ for the first nine months of 2010.
In his witnessing Vella claimed that at one point Scicluna gave him a correction letter from Tabone, together with a cheque covering the 10% fine incurred. on the desk there was also a €100 note. Scicluna told him "these are for you".
Vella took the papers including the €100 note and left the office but five minutes later went back to Scicluna and gave him back everything. The following day, after discussing thing with his wife, he went to the VAT Commissioner and told him what had transpired.
Answering questions from the prosecution, Vella explained how the €100 note was on Scicluna's desk but did not form part of the packet of papers containing the correction letter and the cheque. He also held he took the money because he panicked because he thought Scicluna had meant the €100 note.
For the last 10 years Scicluna represented the VAT Department at court. He always pleaded innocent both at court and through the five statements he gave to police investigators.
Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona held the evidence brought forward by the prosecution did not sustain the charges against the accused. Further more the court does not see any reason behind the attempted bribery of an officer given the substantial sum Tabone owed to the VAT Department, which case is still sub-judice.
The Magistrate acquitted Paul Scicluna of all charges.
Lawyers Steve Tonna Lowell, Gianella De Marco and Gianluca Caruana Curran appeared for Scicluna.