Anti-corruption investigators are entering the final phase of their probe into allegations made in the book “Mafia State” by Makarios Drousiotis, with fewer than 100 witnesses remaining to testify.
Former President Nicos Anastasiades is among those yet to give evidence in the investigation, which is expected to conclude its hearing process by spring, followed by the preparation of a final report.
Transparency Commissioner and head of the Independent Authority Against Corruption, Haris Pogiatzis, spoke cautiously about the investigation during his visit to the Presidential Palace today, where he presented the Authority’s 2023 annual report.
Speaking about the investigation into journalist Makarios Drousiotis’s book, Pogiatzis described it as “the largest investigation, initiated independently, although we were called upon by two politicians to conduct it”.
The probe, which began in April 2024, has already gathered testimony from more than 100 individuals, with Pogiatzis expecting the investigators’ findings to be ready by the end of May.
The investigation centres on the author’s allegations regarding events in Cyprus following Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev’s divorce. Drousiotis’s book detailed claims about the alleged role of a major law firm and its relationship with then-President Anastasiades, unusual legislative proceedings, court decisions favouring the oligarch, and capital transfers.
Drousiotis worked as an aide to Anastasiades between 2013-2014. Since leaving the Presidential Palace, Drousiotis has written three books accusing the country’s political elite of widespread corruption, based on his experiences collaborating with Anastasiades.
Anastasiades has categorically denied all allegations in both written statements and interviews, and has initiated legal proceedings against the author-researcher.
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