Anti-Corruption Authority is nearing completion of two major investigations, with findings expected by January 2025, sources tell philenews.
The first probe concerns allegations made in Makarios Drousiotis‘s book “Mafia State“. More than 100 witnesses have provided testimony, and investigators are preparing a comprehensive report expected to exceed 500 pages.
The author has attended several meetings with investigating officers, and key figures mentioned in the book, potentially including former President Anastasiades, are expected to be called for testimony in the final stages.
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.
“Mafia State” notably references Russian oligarch Dimitri Rybolovlev and the aftermath of his divorce in Cyprus, implicating a major law firm’s role and its ties to Anastasiades, unusual legislative processes, judicial decisions favouring Rybolovlev, and capital movements. Anastasiades has firmly denied all allegations in public statements.
Additionally, the probe is looking into issues related to police surveillance. The investigators, upon reviewing Drousiotis’s book, identified potential misconduct concerning the Cyprus Police. Drousiotis’s personal accounts suggest he was subjected to surveillance via software that had infected his personal electronic devices.
The second investigation focuses on the illegal diversion of water from the Kouris River in Trimiklini. Former District Court President Nikos Giapanas has been appointed to investigate potential corruption or negligence by state officials over an unspecified period.
Meanwhile, the Authority is launching new investigations into golden passport allegations, including complaints by former Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides and AKEL MP Christos Christofides against the former president and his government regarding passport approvals involving their law firms.
A separate investigation is examining allegations against EDEK party leader Marinos Sizopoulos concerning a passport granted to an Iraqi investor who allegedly failed to meet investment scheme requirements.
The Authority currently has over 60 corruption-related complaints under investigation, including one significant case that has not yet been made public.
Both domestic and international inspectors are conducting the investigations.
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