Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/187071
9 News maltatoday, SUNDAY, 6 OCTOBER 2013 American investigators target Malta companies for Gaddafi assets Joe Sammut maintains a substantial amount of business for Libyan clients, as well as confidants of the former Gaddafi regime Command Global Services is providing Libya with asset recovery services for a reported $30-$80 billion in diamonds, gold and cash stashed by Muammar Gaddafi MATTHEW VELLA THE American investigative firm Command Global Services, appointed by Libya's asset recovery committee to track down assets held by the family of dictator Muammar Gaddafi, is focusing attention on a Tunisian businessman and his Libyan connections, who could have stashed their monies in companies set up by Mosta accountant Joe Sammut. Command Global Services is providing Libya with asset recov- "Deaf people are not all the same. Some are born deaf, whilst others become deaf through illness or because of an accident. Furthermore, some people are profoundly deaf, whilst others may be partially so. As a result, communication methods may vary, whether it is sign language, common signage, lipreading or simple writing," he said. Mulvaney stressed that, contrary to popular belief, deaf people are ery services for a reported $30$80 billion in diamonds, gold and cash stashed around the world by Gaddafi. The company is now focusing attention on Tunisian businessman Ghazi Mellouli and his brother Maher, reportedly having been close to the Gaddafi regime and particularly to Mohamed Giloushi, chief-of-staff of former prime minister Baghdadi Mahmoudi. He now lives in Germany. The Melloulis are said to be in contact with Magistrate Bechir Al Ajara, who heads the Libyan Asset not all that different from people who can hear. "I drive a car, a motorcycle and a boat, whilst also enjoying the beat of music as much as the next guy," he said. However, he admitted that there are many restrictions. "Since many of us use sign language, we need a lot of space. In fact, the first thing I did before standing up to deliver this confer- Recovery Committee. The Melloulis have companies registered in Malta at the Mosta offices of Joe Sammut, a one-time Labour candidate, whose connections to the Gaddafi regime were made known during the civil uprising that later led to the ousting and execution of the Libyan dictator. An oil trading operation run by the two brothers, Sealandair Energy International, allegedly on behalf of the regime, has come under CGS's attention. Maher Mellouli, whose residence is in the southern French town of ence was to take my jacket off, as it restricts me from fully expressing myself," he said. "We tap the table to say 'Buon appetito' and stamp our feet to attract the attention of someone in the next room, hoping that the vibrations are felt." Anna and Spiridione Zahra, who attended the conference and have a 22-year-old, partially deaf son, said that the conference was well de- Cannes, is registered as a 9.9% owner of the company. The rest is held by Best Inter Ltd, a holding company for both Sealandair and Gencon International. There's no mistaking that the holding company's name has a personal link to Joe Sammut, an inveterate fan of the Italian football team Internazionale. Sammut, a one-time treasurer for the Labour Party back in 1993, maintains a substantial amount of business for Libyan clients, as well as confidants of the former Gaddafi regime, not least Gaddafi's own livered and informative. For them, the most important thing was the initial adaptation to their son's disability. "We have learned to adapt to his needs. These are things which you quickly get used to, especially if you live with the person." Mulvaney concluded that the most important thing was for people to make themselves aware of deaf culture, adding that it would Ghazi Mellouli and his brother were reportedly close to Gaddafi, and have companies registered in Malta children. In 2011, he was reported to have unsuccessfully attempted to procure visas for Libyan connections. He was also revealed to have paid superstars Beyonce Knowles and Nelly Furtado some $1 million on behalf of Gaddafi's son Hannibal, for their performances at his parties. The Maltese government froze €377 million in Libyan assets throughout the conflict, €86 million of which belonged to the Gaddafi family or entities in which they were majority shareholders. also help them when interacting with deaf people. "Many people are unsure of how to act in the presence of a deaf person. We encourage the public to come to the Deaf Club to learn a bit more about our culture," he said. The public is welcome to visit the Deaf Club at Lascaris Wharf, Valletta, every Friday from 8.00am onwards