The Anti-Corruption Authority is set to resume its investigation into complaints lodged by AKEL MP Christos Christophides against former President Nicos Anastasiades and his administration on Friday, amidst ongoing controversy over delays and procedural issues.
The probe, which stems from complaints filed two years ago, centres on allegations of corruption related to the country’s “golden passport” scheme, questionable business dealings, and potential conflicts of interest within the former government.
Christophides has repeatedly criticised the two-year delay in the investigation, stating, “These [delays] affect the substance of the investigation.” He particularly denounced that “two years have already passed without anyone of the involved (mainly the passport recipients) being questioned about the conditions under which the contributions or the commercial acts that are involved were made.”
The appointment of new investigating officers, including Dimitris Georgiadis, a former appointee of Anastasiades, has sparked further controversy. Christophides expressed an “intense reaction” to this appointment, citing potential conflicts of interest.
A key point of contention remains the stance of Transparency Commissioner Poyatzis, who has publicly stated that Anastasiades is not under investigation. This position has been strongly contested by Christophides, who argues it contradicts the nature of the complaints and the Authority’s commitment to investigate them.
Cyprus’ “golden passports” scheme was abolished in 2020 after an undercover investigation by Al Jazeera revealed rampant corruption and that the government approved issuing passports to international criminals and fugitives, drawing criticism from the European Union and sparking protests in the country.
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