Notary Ivan Barbara’s widow appeals inquiry order

The widow of notary Ivan Barbara, whose clients were left chasing their money, has appealed a magistrate’s decision for an inquiry into possible misappropriation and fraud, saying she was extraneous to her husband’s dealings. 

Rosanne Barbara Zarb, who renounced her husband’s inheritance, said the clients had not proved the link between her and the notary’s alleged wrongdoing. The only link, she said, was that she had been married to him. 

She has asked the court to revoke a decree by Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo who ruled earlier this month that the clients had satisfied the requisites for the launch of an in genere inquiry. 

The notary died suddenly of COVID-19 after having contracted the virus in India earlier this year, while he was visiting the country to adopt a child.

The request for an inquiry was made by Matthew Sacco, Simon Mallia and Valerie Mallia, who had handed Barbara cheques amounting to a total of €30,650 in relation to promise-of-sale agreements they had signed.

In their application filed last August, the three clients said they had deposited thousands of euros with notary Barbara and their money is nowhere to be seen. More clients have come forward...