Former Cypriot President Anastasiades challenges Anti-Corruption Authority findings

Former Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades has issued a detailed, point-by-point rebuttal of the June 16, 2026, findings by the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority regarding allegations in Makarios Droushiotis’s book, 'Mafia State'. Anastasiades argues that the Authority’s conclusions, which suggested seven potential criminal offenses such as abuse of power and influence peddling, were influenced by a biased public atmosphere rather than objective evidence. He claims that the two-and-a-half-year investigation, which involved 150 witnesses and 793 documents at a cost of 1.5 million euros, ultimately dismissed all claims of illicit enrichment or financial misappropriation, yet the Authority relied on an insufficient standard of 'balance of probabilities' to imply criminal wrongdoing.

In his analysis, the former President highlights procedural shortcomings, asserting he was denied the opportunity to address specific claims during his four-day testimony. He specifically disputes findings related to cases involving Rybolovlev, the Focus firm, banking commissions, and citizenship programs, citing testimony from former Interior Minister Neoklis Silikiotis. While critics and some media outlets acknowledge the weight of his rebuttals regarding specific dates and omissions, the legal process remains ongoing. The findings will now be subject to review by criminal investigators who must evaluate whether these procedural concerns impact the validity of the allegations.