Detectives have launched a full-scale criminal investigation into a video claiming to expose a corruption ring within the Presidency. The Headquarters Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has confirmed the probe will scrutinise every detail surrounding the video’s publication, moving far beyond its initial scope.
Police will summon every person featured in the intercepted conversations. This includes Charalambos Charalambous, the Director of the President’s Office, and George Chrysochos, head of the Cyfield Group. Both men appear in the footage speaking with individuals posing as foreign investors.
The police are following established protocol. Last spring, investigators questioned 10 television journalists during a “contempt of court” probe involving former Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides, a move that drew a sharp rebuke from the Cyprus Union of Journalists.
“The Full Spectrum”
Police spokesperson Vyron Vyronos confirmed the escalating scale of the inquiry. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), he stated that the investigation now covers “the full spectrum of the video released to the public.” While Vyronos noted that no specific timeline is set for the next round of interviews, he confirmed that everyone appearing in the footage will eventually be called in.
Europol intervention
The Cyprus Police have already triggered international cooperation mechanisms, requesting urgent assistance from Europol. Domestically, the Cybercrime Unit and the Forensic Science Service have joined the hunt. While cyber specialists track the digital footprint, forensic experts are scrutinising physical evidence.
On Friday, former minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis handed investigators documents linked to his two-year stint as an energy consultant for “Stratix Wealth”—the firm supposedly behind the sting. Forensic handwriting and digital analysts are now verifying these documents to check for forgeries.
Presidential ultimatum
Nicosia received warnings from Brussels regarding hybrid threats three to four months ago, according to Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou. Speaking on CyBC radio, Antoniou branded the video “organised propaganda” and a “malicious” mix of real footage and doctored audio.
He delivered a clear ultimatum: “If the Director of his Office is found to have committed any reprehensible act, Charalambos Charalambous will be dismissed immediately.” Antoniou argued the President is facing a direct assault on his integrity and challenged anyone with genuine evidence to come forward.
The video timeline
- Thursday: An account named “Emily Thompson” uploads the footage to X (formerly Twitter).
- The Content: The edited clips feature George Lakkotrypis, Charalambos Charalambous, and George Chrysochos.
- The Allegation: The video suggests the Christodoulides campaign used illegal cash exceeding the €1 million legal limit.
- The “Mechanism”: The creators claim companies funneled cash to the Presidency in exchange for political favours.
- The Response: George Lakkotrypis immediately reported the video to Nicosia CID, claiming his words were spliced to create a false narrative about illegal cash.
- Hybrid Warfare: The Presidency labels the attack “hybrid warfare.” Reports suggest a state-commissioned analysis traces the attack to Russian sources.
- The Sting: Posing as “Stratix Wealth” investors looking to spend €150 million, the group targeted Lakkotrypis and Chrysochos, the latter specifically regarding Cyfield’s private power station at Vasilikos.
Political Backlash
Opposition party AKEL hit back yesterday, calling the President’s reaction “disappointing.” The party accused the administration of trying to hide “institutional entanglement and corruption” by focusing on the video’s origins rather than its content. “The evidence is right in front of him,” the party stated, “coming from his own office director’s mouth.” Similarly, the “Alma” movement dismissed the President’s response as “evasive,” claiming it fails to address the “black donations” scandal.
