Government seeks to finalize legal team for Mafia State criminal investigation

The Cypriot government aims to announce the legal team for the criminal investigation regarding the 'Mafia State' report by Wednesday. The selection process remains highly confidential, with officials refusing to comment to avoid compromising the integrity of the probe. Reports suggest that a prominent lawyer from Greece with an international profile is a primary candidate. Authorities are considering appointing a local Cypriot lawyer alongside the international expert to reconcile differences between Anglo-Saxon and continental legal systems. The delay in the appointment is attributed to the complexity of the case, the number of individuals involved, and potential conflicts of interest for lawyers previously linked to the Anti-Corruption Authority. The report under investigation involves several individuals, including former President Nicos Anastasiades. Officials emphasize that maintaining strict secrecy is vital to prevent claims of a compromised investigation.