**Title: Anti-Corruption Authority Reportedly Preparing to Reopen Black Van Case**
The Anti-Corruption Authority in Cyprus is reportedly gearing up to initiate a renewed investigation into the controversial black surveillance van case. This new inquiry aims to explore facets of the affair that were not addressed during the original criminal investigation, which concluded approximately four years ago.
On Thursday, when approached by the Cyprus Mail, the authority refrained from confirming or denying the reopening of the case. However, it did indicate that a full public announcement regarding the matter would be forthcoming at an appropriate time.
According to a report by Politis, the authority's renewed investigation is expected to extend beyond the allegations involving Deputy Attorney-General Savvas Angelides. The authority plans to scrutinize all elements of the case that were left unexamined during the initial inquiry, including the conviction of individuals in Greece linked to the affair. Notably, Tal Dilian, a former Mossad operative and owner of the surveillance van, was convicted for intercepting communications involving Greek politicians, ministers, and members of parliament.
Before proceeding with the renewed investigation, the Anti-Corruption Authority has opted to seek legal advice from an external law firm regarding the interpretation of Article 10 of the legislation governing its powers. This provision mandates that the authority must refrain from initiating or continuing a parallel inquiry once notified by the Attorney-General, George Savvides, that police or a criminal investigator is handling a corruption case. Given that the criminal investigation into the black van case has concluded, legal experts are questioning whether Article 10 can impede a new review initiated after the closure of criminal proceedings.
Legal circles cited by Politis argue that the legislation was intended to prevent concurrent investigations rather than to prohibit new inquiries once a criminal case has been resolved. The legal opinion sought by the authority is expected to set a significant precedent for how it manages similar situations in the future.
Supporters of the renewed inquiry highlight the case of former Edek president Marinos Sizopoulos, where the Anti-Corruption Authority conducted its own investigation after a criminal inquiry had concluded. This investigation reportedly uncovered information that had not been identified by either the police or the legal service.
The potential reopening of the investigation follows a public dispute earlier this week between Savvides and the Anti-Corruption Authority regarding whether Angelides was ever included within the scope of the case. The authority asserted in a statement that Angelides had always been part of its expanded inquiry, referencing a meeting held on July 29 at the legal service's headquarters. During this meeting, the authority claimed it made it clear that the investigation would encompass all aspects of the case, including any potential conflicts of interest involving Angelides. The authority contended that Angelides left the meeting once it became apparent that the investigation would involve him personally, suggesting that its intentions had been communicated to the legal service.
In contrast, Savvides rejected the authority's account, asserting that a letter he sent on July 16 outlined the precise terms of reference for investigators and did not mention any investigation into Angelides. He invited the authority to declassify the letter in its entirety to support his position. Savvides further stated that his subsequent response on July 30 addressed all points raised without referencing any inquiry into Angelides.
The origins of the black van case trace back to a complaint filed in 2023, alleging connections between Angelides, his former law firm, and companies linked to his brother. The complaint posits that a company associated with Angelides' firm provided secretarial services to businesses involved in the Predator surveillance affair in Greece. It also highlights changes in corporate ownership connecting companies associated with Angelides' brother and 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 rejected the allegations against him in August 2022.
The black van affair itself began in 2019 when police initiated an investigation into WiSpear, following Tal Dilian's public promotion of surveillance equipment housed within a modified vehicle. Criminal proceedings against Dilian and two co-defendants were suspended by Savvides in November 2021. WiSpear Systems later pleaded guilty to data protection violations and was fined €76,000.
As the Anti-Corruption Authority prepares to potentially reopen this significant case, the implications of its findings could resonate throughout the legal and political landscape in Cyprus. The authority's forthcoming announcement and the legal opinion on Article 10 will be closely monitored by both supporters and critics of the ongoing investigation.