Woman behind the 'Santy' alias speaks out in Cyprus political scandal

A woman known by the alias 'Santy' has publicly addressed her central role in a significant political and criminal case affecting both Cyprus and Greece. In a written statement published on August 26, 2026, she acknowledged creating the fictional persona and admitted that the controversial messages at the heart of the scandal were not authentic. She denied allegations of blackmail or bribery, claiming she acted independently rather than being a pawn for third parties.

She detailed that her involvement began around 2020 following discussions with lawyer Nikos Kliridis, which led to her adopting the 'Santy' role. She noted that the persona gradually gained momentum, making it difficult for her to withdraw. The woman emphasized the importance of her initial contact with journalist Stelios Orfanidis, which she claims was mediated by Kliridis. She further called for an independent technical audit of the message trails, specifically challenging Makarios Drousiotis to facilitate this process.

The case has triggered extensive police investigations and criminal proceedings across Cyprus and Greece. While she has acknowledged her participation, she did not disclose her original motivations or explain the exact boundaries between her reality and the fabricated narrative, leaving many questions unanswered as legal processes continue.