Anti-corruption authority releases report on state mafia allegations

Cyprus’s Independent Authority Against Corruption has published a report following a two-year investigation into allegations made in Makarios Drousiotis’s book 'Mafia State'. The report identifies reasonable suspicion of corruption-related offences, including abuse of power and trading in influence, against former President Nicos Anastasiades and several high-profile officials. Other individuals named include Rikko Erotokritou, Nicos Kouyialis, and others. Regarding Anastasiades, investigators point to seven potential offences, specifically concerning his alleged interference in the police investigation into the company Focus Maritime. While the Authority noted that actions occurred during a financial crisis, it concluded they were outside the President’s constitutional duties. The findings are based on a civil standard of proof and do not constitute criminal convictions, leaving potential prosecution to the discretion of the Attorney General. The report explicitly cleared Anastasiades of allegations that €450,000 in funds from Focus Maritime reached his personal accounts. The case file is now under review by the Attorney General to determine if formal criminal proceedings will be initiated.