Cyprus corruption probe identifies possible offences involving former president and 14 others

Local corruptionCrimepresident anastasiadesTop News Cyprus corruption probe identifies possible offences involving former president and 14 others Anexartiti Arhi Markides Relevant News Cyprus corruption probe identifies possible offences involving former president and 14 others 17 June 2026 Seasonal low pressure brings rising temperatures before gradual cooling in Cyprus 17 June 2026 Mafia State corruption report links Anastasiades law firm to Pandora Papers and citizenship cases 16 June 2026 Fanis Makrides 17 June 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber A long-running investigation by Cyprus’ Independent Authority Against Corruption has identified possible criminal offences involving 15 individuals and entities, including former president Nicos Anastasiades, over allegations examined in the so-called “State Mafia” case. The findings stem from a probe lasting more than two years into claims contained in a book, which the authority says raises issues undermining public trust in state institutions. The report has been forwarded to the Attorney General for assessment on whether prosecutions should follow. According to the findings, potential offences under investigation include corruption-related crimes such as influence peddling, abuse of power, bribery and money laundering, with penalties in some cases reaching up to 14 years in prison and fines of up to €500,000. The authority examined multiple cases involving political figures, senior officials, lawyers and business figures. Among those named are former senior state officials, including former deputy attorney general Rikkos Erotokritou, former minister of agriculture Nikos Kouyialis, former MP Giorgos Varnava, and former senior police officer Ioannis Sotiriades, as well as other legal and private sector individuals. In relation to Anastasiades, the report refers to allegations of influence trading, abuse of power and attempted offences across multiple cases. The authority also examines his former law firm and associated partners in connection with alleged money laundering and influence-related offences. One strand of the investigation concerns allegations linked to judicial decisions involving former district court president Charis Solomonides and the handling of cases connected to Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev. Investigators cite indications of possible agreements involving professional appointments and court rulings, which they say may constitute corruption-related conduct. Another case examined allegations surrounding the arrest of Rybolovleva in Cyprus in 2014, with investigators referencing coordination between legal representatives, business interests and state officials in relation to the case. The report also addresses the allocation of state land involving the Church of Cyprus, where a former minister is cited for possible abuse of authority linked to land valuation and exchange decisions. A separate strand focuses on allegations connected to financial flows involving Focus Maritime and claims of political financing. Investigators concluded there may be indications of abuse of power relating to contacts between state officials and prosecutorial authorities during ongoing inquiries. Further findings examine claims of undeclared income and financial transactions involving banking institutions, including a €250,000 payment allegedly linked to political campaign financing, which investigators say may constitute influence trading and related offences. The report also revisits allegations of money laundering through offshore structures and law firm operations, including claims of concealment of beneficial ownership and involvement in investor citizenship cases. A final case concerns alleged political interference in a property development project in Dromolaxia, involving Anastasiades and former MP Giorgos Varnava, though investigators note parts of the conduct may have been well-intentioned while still raising concerns. The authority stressed that the full 3,000-page report, along with evidence and testimony, has been submitted to the Attorney General for further action and to the tax commissioner for parallel review. Read more: Mafia State corruption report: who is accused and what the allegations are Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Seasonal low pressure brings rising temperatures before gradual cooling in Cyprus Mafia State corruption report links Anastasiades law firm to Pandora Papers and citizenship cases Israel seizes powers over Hebron shrine from Palestinian Authority Trump says Iran deal to be public soon and will rule out nuclear weapon for Tehran Ukrainian drone strike halts operations at Moscow oil refinery Italy arrests seven over anarchist network linked to Winter Olympics rail sabotage Cyprus MEPs set to abstain or vote against EU Turkey report Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.