Police have launched an investigation into Santinomo Ltd., a Cyprus-registered company reportedly connected to US sanctions and the controversial Predator spyware.
Santinomo Ltd. is linked to the Intellexa group, whose companies have been added to a US sanctions list.
The investigation focuses on potential criminal activity by Santinomo, and contact has already been made with persons who are in a position to have information on the case.
Sources report that the Police Headquarter’s CID initiated the probe after a complaint was filed with the Anti-Money Laundering Unit (MOKAS).
The complainant, reportedly a victim of Intellexa’s activities and Predator software, allegedly reported to MOKAS suspicious alterations to Santinomo’s corporate records in March, potentially signifying illegality.
These concerns centred on a possible “fictitious or forged transfer of shares” within the company, according to the source.
Red flags
The investigation stems from a March 7, 2024 filing with the Cyprus Registrar of Companies, two days after US sanctions were imposed on companies under the Intellexa group.
With a significant delay of 39 months, Santinomo Ltd. (a shareholder in the sanctioned Intellexa AE) reported a December 19, 2020, change in its management structure.
This belated filing involved Felix Bizios (of Intellexa) resuming his directorship and replacing Andrea Gambazzi (who later denied any knowledge of his involvement).
Santinomo’s stake in sanctioned Intellexa
Until recently, Santinomo held a 35% stake in the Greek company Intellexa AE, which is connected to Tal Dilian’s business group, and is additionally sanctioned by the US Departments of Commerce and Treasury.
Dilian has faced scrutiny for his involvement in past surveillance operations and his connection to the ‘spy black van’ and Predator spyware cases.
Both natural and legal persons connected to the Israeli businessman have been added en masse to US sanctions lists.
Cyprus Bar Association’s involvement
The investigation has also drawn the attention of the Cyprus Bar Association (CBA), as Finsol, a firm providing administrative services to Santinomo, is controlled by a Greek lawyer registered with the CBA.
On April 9, CBA officials reportedly visited Finsol’s offices, questioning employees and company officials and collected documents for review.
The focus of the CBA’s investigation is likely centred on whether Finsol adhered to proper client due diligence procedures regarding Santinomo.
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