Cyprus Anti-Corruption Authority issues report on land deal and former minister

The Independent Authority Against Corruption in Cyprus has released a report regarding allegations of state land misuse, based on claims made in Makarios Drousiotis's book, 'State Mafia'. The investigation highlights a 2013 decision to grant state-owned land in Ayia Napa to the Church of Cyprus as compensation for expropriated property in Engomi. Investigators found evidence suggesting potential abuse of power by the former Minister of Agriculture, Nicos Kouyalis, who participated in the inter-ministerial committee that approved the request. The report also addresses allegations concerning a property purchase in Germasogeia by Andri Anastasiades, the wife of then-President Nicos Anastasiades. The property, measuring 1,739 square meters, was purchased in 2014 for 500,000 euros, a price significantly lower than the estimated market value of 870,000 euros at the time. Concerns have been raised regarding the valuation of the land granted to the Church and the broader relationship between the former President and the late Archbishop Chrysostomos II. The findings suggest the state may have suffered financial losses totaling millions of euros due to these transactions. The report has led to a formal recommendation for a criminal investigation against the former minister.