A fishing operator cleared of fuel smuggling has successfully challenged the seizure of his fishing vessel by customs authorities before the court of appeal, which also suggested amending the current legal scenario.
Paul Piscopo, owner of the trawler MFV Alexandra I, together with his wife Alexandra, had filed an application before the civil courts requesting the release of their vessel seized by customs in 2009.
The vessel had been purchased from Egypt, setting sail for Malta with 25,000 litres of diesel on board.
Yet, after reaching home port with some 17,000 litres of fuel, its owners realised the boat needed maintenance and repair works, including welding in the engine room.