Cabinet appoints new independent investigator for Mafia State inquiry

On Wednesday, the Cyprus Cabinet appointed emeritus professor and criminal law expert Ilias Anagnostopoulos to the independent criminal investigative team. Anagnostopoulos replaces Christos Mylonopoulos, who previously withdrew from the role. The team is tasked with reviewing findings from the Anti-Corruption Authority regarding allegations in Makarios Drousiotis' book, Mafia State. Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed that administrative and logistical support, including equipped office space, is ready for the investigators. The team is expected to arrive in Cyprus early next week to commence their work. Police authorities state they are prepared to assist with testimonies and procedures once the appointment is officially published in the government gazette. The investigation follows a probe involving 150 witnesses and 200 hearings, though officials clarified that the 'black van' case is excluded from this specific mandate.