HSBC had called in Fr Luke Seguna to question him about payments made to payment processing websites associated with pornographic sites, thinking that he had been scammed, a police constable told the court on Monday.
The former Marsaxlokk parish priest Luke Seguna was in court as criminal proceedings against him resumed. Seguna is facing charges of money laundering and fraud, amongst others. He denies the charges.
Prosecuting inspector Lianne Bonello from the anti-money laundering squad was the first to take the stand. She detailed what happened on the day of Seguna’s arrest.
On 10 August, officers from the AML squad, cyber crime unit and SOHO went to Seguna’s residence in Marsaxlokk. He was arrested early in the afternoon. Officers from the Assets Recovery Bureau were also onsite.
Seguna provided his laptop password, and removed his security features from his phone, as officers seized his electronic equipment.
The police seized jewellery, watches and designer clothes, which were handed over to the Assets Recovery Bureau. They also found documentary evidence which included cheque books.
His Land Rover, Paola garage and the parish church office were also searched by the police.
Bonello told the court that she was present for Seguna’s second statement to the police during which he exercised his right to silence. He was subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech on 12 August.
Defence lawyer Alex Scerri Herrera asked whether an inquiry…
