Criminal investigation launched into falsified sick leave for prison guards

A criminal investigation is underway by the Police Headquarters' Criminal Investigation Department regarding suspected fraud involving sick leave certificates issued to prison guards in Cyprus. The inquiry follows an Audit Office report from March 2026, which flagged systemic abuses where several officers significantly exceeded the statutory 42-day annual sick leave limit. Evidence suggests a potential collusion between two specific doctors—a general practitioner and an orthopaedic surgeon—and prison staff to falsify medical documentation.

The investigation focuses on eight primary suspects among the prison staff, with cases identified where individuals provided over 100 certificates in a single year to justify prolonged absences. An Audit Office official has formally provided names to the police, and authorities are now gathering extensive testimonies and scrutinizing digital records. Some guards allegedly remained absent for hundreds of days while continuing to receive their full salaries.

Police spokesperson Byron Byronos confirmed that the case is highly complex and may take months to conclude. Once the investigation is completed, the case file will be submitted to the Attorney General for further legal direction, with authorities not ruling out additional actions involving digital evidence from the doctors' systems.