Anastasiades, other officials may face criminal charges over Elena Rybolovleva arrest

Local corruptionCrimerussiaTop News Anastasiades, other officials may face criminal charges over Elena Rybolovleva arrest Rybolovleva Relevant News Pipe fault leaves large area of Limassol without water 16 June 2026 Anastasiades, other officials may face criminal charges over Elena Rybolovleva arrest 16 June 2026 Lady’s Mile turtle protection a ‘disgrace’, Terra Cypria says, accusing British Bases 16 June 2026 newsroom 16 June 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Cyprus’ Independent Authority Against Corruption has identified reasonable suspicion of possible corruption-related offences linked to the 2014 arrest of Elena Rybolovleva, in findings forming part of its investigation into allegations contained in the book Mafia State by former presidential aide and journalist Makarios Drousiotis. The Authority stressed that its conclusions are based on the civil standard of proof and do not constitute criminal convictions. The file has been forwarded to the Attorney General, who will decide whether criminal proceedings should be initiated. The Rybolovleva arrest case is being examined as part of wider allegations concerning possible trading in influence, coordination between private actors and state officials, and the handling of criminal complaints with implications for civil financial disputes. Background: the 2014 arrest case The case dates back to February 2014, when Elena Rybolovleva was arrested in Cyprus following a criminal complaint linked to a high-value jewellery dispute during her divorce from Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev. The complaint concerned a diamond ring reportedly valued at between €25 million and €50 million, which was claimed by a trust linked to the Rybolovlev financial structure. Rybolovleva was detained after an arrest warrant was issued and later released shortly afterwards. The dispute formed part of a wider international divorce and asset division case involving parallel litigation in multiple jurisdictions. Alleged complaint mechanism and arrest process The Authority examines whether the criminal complaint that triggered the arrest formed part of a broader framework involving coordinated legal and procedural actions linked to the divorce dispute. It assesses whether the complaint was used as a mechanism within wider negotiations over financial settlement issues, and whether state procedures were engaged in a way that went beyond standard criminal process handling. Andreas Hadjikyriacos – alleged intermediary role The report identifies Andreas Hadjikyriacos as a central intermediary in the Rybolovleva-related findings. It concludes there is reasonable suspicion that he: acted as a communication link between former president Nicos Anastasiades and Dmitry Rybolovlev facilitated coordination between private and public actors involved in the case assisted in arrangements examined under the alleged influence framework played a facilitating role in interactions linked to alleged undue advantage The Authority places him within the chain of contacts assessed in relation to possible trading in influence. Nicos Anastasiades – alleged influence Former president Nicos Anastasiades is identified in the report as being under examination for possible passive trading in influence linked to the Rybolovleva case. The findings state there is reasonable suspicion that he may have received or been associated with an undue advantage in connection with state actions examined in the context of the arrest and related procedures. A private flight from Brussels in March 2014 is referenced in the evidentiary assessment, with investigators noting the absence of official travel records or state payment documentation. Andreas Erotokritou – handling of legal process Former Assistant Attorney-General Rikkos Erotokritou is named in relation to the handling of the complaint that led to the arrest. The Authority finds reasonable suspicion that he: took direct control of the case file after its transmission to the Law Office did not follow standard internal escalation procedures returned the file to police without full institutional review processes may have influenced procedural steps linked to affidavit preparation His actions are assessed as part of the wider procedural handling of the complaint. Senior police officer Ioannis Sotiriades – police handling Senior police officer Ioannis Sotiriades is identified in relation to alleged irregularities in police handling of the investigation. Findings include reasonable suspicion that he: withheld information from senior police command maintained communication with external legal actors during the investigation phase delayed administrative procedures linked to case handling participated in coordination during the active complaint process The Authority examines these actions within the broader investigative chain. The Authority concludes that the conduct under examination may fall within the scope of trading in influence, involving the offering, receiving or facilitating of undue advantage in exchange for influence over public decision-making. It reiterates that: findings are based on the balance of probabilities they do not constitute criminal convictions only courts can determine guilt the Attorney General will decide on further action The Authority has confirmed that the full report will not be published in its entirety due to investigative sensitivity. The case file has been forwarded to the Attorney General and tax authorities for further assessment and possible legal action. Read more: Rybolovlev fails to appear after summons in ‘Mafia State’ investigation Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Pipe fault leaves large area of Limassol without water Lady’s Mile turtle protection a ‘disgrace’, Terra Cypria says, accusing British Bases Protaras Riviera? After 108 days of a war reality show, Trump’s fanfare remains — and thousands are dead Energy security and geopolitical stability Attorney General cannot handle ‘Mafia State’ case due to conflict, lawyer says The last gift of Irvin Yalom? Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.