**Title: Former Deputy Attorney-General Denies Embezzlement Charges, Claims Malicious Conspiracy**
Former Deputy Attorney-General Loukis Loucaides has publicly refuted allegations of financial embezzlement, labeling the indictment against him as “a malicious conspiracy.” Loucaides, who held the position from 1975 to 1998 and later served as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights, confirmed that a criminal prosecution has been initiated against him. The case is set to be heard at the Limassol criminal court, with the first hearing scheduled for September 14.
The indictment stems from a complaint filed by the administrator of an estate belonging to a deceased woman. According to reports, the complaint was lodged with the police in July 2025, alleging that Loucaides failed to transfer €177,000 to the estate’s administrator. This amount was compensation awarded by the Limassol municipality for the expropriation of the deceased woman's house, which was demolished to facilitate road construction. Loucaides was serving as the administrator’s lawyer in this matter.
In his defense, Loucaides maintains that he has committed no wrongdoing. “It’s a malicious indictment, and behind it there’s a conspiracy,” he stated in an interview with the Cyprus News Agency. He insists that he acted in good faith throughout the legal process and is prepared to contest the charges in court.
Loucaides recounted the timeline of events leading to the indictment, tracing the case back to 2008. He was initially assigned by the then administrator of the estate to pursue legal action against the Limassol municipality for failing to provide compensation for the expropriation. The district court initially dismissed the lawsuit, but Loucaides successfully appealed the decision, leading to an order from the appeals court for the municipality to settle the matter out of court.
Following negotiations, a settlement was reached, and Loucaides received the compensation payment with the intention of passing it on to his client. However, he claims that by that time, the original estate administrator was no longer in the position, and he was unable to locate the individual to facilitate the transfer of funds. “I tried to locate him. I didn’t have his phone number. Nor could I track him down,” Loucaides explained, emphasizing his efforts to resolve the situation.
According to Loucaides, years passed without any communication from the estate regarding the funds. It wasn’t until 2025, when a new administrator was appointed, that he was contacted through an attorney and instructed to transfer the money. Loucaides expressed willingness to resolve the matter, stating, “I would gladly give it, I answered them in a letter. Let’s get together, sort it out. So many years had passed, and no one was interested.”
Despite his attempts to communicate and resolve the issue, Loucaides claims he received no response from the new administrator. Instead, he was subjected to a police investigation, during which he was summoned to provide a written statement regarding the allegations. He also mentioned offering to transfer the funds in installments as a means to settle the matter amicably.
Loucaides has expressed concern that the indictment is part of a broader effort to tarnish his reputation, given his long-standing career in public service and law. As the case moves forward, he remains adamant about his innocence and is prepared to defend himself against the charges in court.
The upcoming hearing in Limassol will mark a significant moment in Loucaides’ legal battle as he seeks to clear his name amidst the allegations. The outcome of the case could have implications not only for Loucaides personally but also for the public perception of legal professionals in Cyprus.