Cyprus cabinet appoints independent investigators for Mafia State case

On July 2, 2026, the Cypriot Cabinet appointed a five-member team of independent criminal investigators to examine findings related to Makarios Drousiotis's book, 'Mafia State'. The investigation follows a report by the Anti-Corruption Authority, which identified potential criminal offenses involving 15 natural and legal persons, including former President Nicos Anastasiades. The investigative team is led by Vassilios Skouris, former President of the European Court of Justice, and includes Christos Mylonopoulos, Sotiris Liasidis, Nikolas Koursaris, and Dimitris Tsolakidis. Operating under Article 4(2) of the Criminal Procedure Law, the team is tasked with conducting a full and objective review of the evidence. Former President Anastasiades has rejected the allegations of wrongdoing. The appointment was welcomed by political parties DISY and DIPA, who called for transparency and a swift judicial process. The investigators are granted a six-month mandate, with the possibility of an extension upon a reasoned request to the Cabinet.