Independent authority issues report on 'Mafia state' corruption allegations
The Independent Authority Against Corruption in Cyprus has published a comprehensive report regarding allegations detailed in the book 'Mafia State' by Makarios Drousiotis. The report suggests potential criminal liability for several former state officials, including former President Nicos Anastasiades, and recommends an investigation into the law firm 'Nicos Chr. Anastasiades & Partners' for alleged money laundering involving hundreds of millions of euros linked to offshore Caribbean entities. Additionally, the findings point toward possible criminal involvement of former MOKAS head Eva Rossidou-Papakyriakou. Attorney General George Savvides and his deputy Savvas Angelides have recused themselves from the case to ensure impartiality, citing personal friendships with the former president. The Legal Service plans to appoint independent criminal investigators to handle the matter. Meanwhile, the opposition party AKEL has called for the immediate resignation of the Attorney General and his deputy, questioning the neutrality of the prosecutorial leadership. Tax authorities are also preparing to audit the involved former officials as the investigation continues.