Jeweler sues AG after asset freeze leaves him unable to pay VAT

A jeweler has opened a Constitutional case against the Attorney General, complaining that he is facing criminal proceedings because an order freezing his assets prevented him from paying VAT. Back in March 1, 2013, a court had ordered the freezing of all assets belonging to George Tabone and his companies Gram Collections Ltd, Gram Jewellers Ltd and Gram Holdings Ltd. Mr Tabone had been accused the previous week of handling stolen property, after allegedly buying €350,000 worth of stolen jewellery. The decision was taken after the Attorney General filed an urgent application before the Criminal Court stating that his office had, through an oversight, forgotten to request a freezing order. This encapsulated all the moneys and other movable property due, pertaining or belonging to the accused. The order also prohibited the accused and all of his companies from transferring, pledging or disposing of any movable or immovable property. Mr Tabone had challenged the order but was unsuccessful. He was subsequently aquitted of all charges in October 2015, with the court cancelling all orders against Mr Tabone and his companies. However, the Attorney General had lodged an appeal, stalling...

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