**Title: Anti-Corruption Authority Confirms Inclusion of Deputy Attorney-General in Black Van Investigation**
The Anti-Corruption Authority of Cyprus asserted on Tuesday that Deputy Attorney-General Savvas Angelides has always been part of its investigation into the “black van” surveillance case, countering claims made by Attorney-General George Savvides. This disagreement revolves around a meeting that took place on July 29 at the Law Office of the Republic, where the authority claims it explicitly stated that its inquiry would encompass all facets of the case, including potential conflicts of interest involving Angelides.
According to the Anti-Corruption Authority, during the July meeting, Angelides departed once it became clear that the investigation would also scrutinize his involvement. The authority emphasized that from that moment, or possibly even earlier, it had communicated its intention to examine Angelides's role in the case to the legal service.
The authority's statement followed a letter from Savvides dated July 30, in which he indicated that all matters the authority wished to investigate had already been addressed. The Anti-Corruption Authority contended that this communication could reasonably lead to the impression that Angelides was included in that assurance.
The clarification from the authority comes in response to statements attributed to Savvides, which suggested that the authority had not explicitly raised concerns regarding the legal service's handling of the case or Angelides's potential conflict of interest. The Anti-Corruption Authority refuted this characterization, referencing a letter sent on July 16 that outlined its broader intentions to expand the inquiry.
The origins of the investigation date back to a complaint lodged in 2023, which alleged connections between Angelides, his former law firm, and companies in which his brother held shares. This complaint claimed that a company associated with Angelides's former firm provided secretarial services to businesses implicated in the Predator surveillance scandal in Greece. Additionally, it pointed to changes in corporate ownership that linked companies associated with Angelides's brother to Israeli businessman Avraam Shahak Avni.
Notably, one company mentioned in the complaint was removed from the Cyprus companies register just two days after Angelides publicly denied the allegations against him in August 2022.
The “black van” affair itself began in 2019 when police initiated an investigation into WiSpear, a company whose then-CEO, Tal Dilian, publicly showcased surveillance equipment installed in a modified vehicle. Criminal proceedings against Dilian and two co-defendants were suspended by Savvides in November 2021. WiSpear Systems later admitted to violations of data protection laws and was fined €76,000.
As the investigation continues, the Anti-Corruption Authority remains committed to examining all aspects of the case, including the involvement of high-ranking officials. The ongoing developments highlight the complexities surrounding the legal and ethical implications of surveillance practices in Cyprus, as well as the scrutiny faced by public officials in relation to potential conflicts of interest.