**Anti-Corruption Authority Receives 911 Complaints, Examines 70%**
The Anti-Corruption Authority of Cyprus has reported receiving a total of 911 complaints since its establishment, with approximately 70% of these complaints currently under examination. This update was provided by the authority's chairman, Harris Poyadjis, during the Cyprus Forum, which focused on the rule of law and the independence of institutions.
As of the end of August 2026, the authority has reviewed 645 of the complaints, which have been submitted by both institutions and private citizens. The establishment of the Anti-Corruption Authority in 2022 was part of a broader initiative to enhance transparency and accountability within the Cypriot government and public sector.
During his address, Poyadjis discussed the authority's current capabilities and limitations, particularly concerning its investigatory powers. While the authority can summon witnesses, it lacks the ability to conduct criminal investigations independently. Instead, the findings from the authority are forwarded to the attorney-general’s office, which then determines whether to initiate a criminal probe through the police.
Poyadjis indicated that there have been discussions regarding the potential for the authority to gain criminal investigatory powers, with the justice ministry recently providing various suggestions on the matter. These discussions are expected to gain momentum in October. However, any change to grant the authority such powers would require constitutional amendments, a process that may face challenges due to existing reluctance among authorities to proceed with such changes.
The authority's current framework allows it to take significant steps towards combating corruption, but its effectiveness is somewhat hampered by its lack of prosecutorial powers. Poyadjis highlighted this issue, noting that there is a "reluctance on the part of authorities to move to that stage."
In addition to examining complaints, the Anti-Corruption Authority is planning to implement a series of actions aimed at improving awareness and understanding of corruption-related laws. One of the key initiatives includes the creation of a booklet that summarizes existing laws on corruption. This booklet is intended to be distributed to senior state officials when they assume their positions, serving as a resource to promote ethical governance and accountability.
The establishment of the Anti-Corruption Authority and its ongoing efforts reflect Cyprus's commitment to addressing corruption and enhancing institutional integrity. With the authority's work still in progress, the upcoming discussions regarding its powers and the planned initiatives may play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of anti-corruption efforts in the country.