Cyprus anti-corruption authority terminates black van surveillance probe

The Independent Authority Against Corruption in Cyprus officially announced on September 14, 2026, the termination of its investigation into the so-called 'black van' surveillance case. The Authority had initially intended to initiate a formal inquiry, including the appointment of inspection officers, following a complaint filed in 2023 by former Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides and recent public disclosures, including those in a book by a local journalist.

However, the investigation was halted after the Legal Service, led by the Attorney General, informed the Authority that the issues in question had already been fully investigated by the competent state authorities. Under Article 10 of the 2022 law governing the Authority’s operations, the body is legally prohibited from conducting an investigation into matters that have already been addressed by other state organs. As a result of this intervention and the classified status of the correspondence between the two offices, the Authority has ceased all proceedings regarding the matter and will not provide further updates or findings.

This decision marks the conclusion of a high-profile case that had drawn significant parliamentary attention, particularly concerning the investigative powers of the anti-corruption body and allegations involving Assistant Attorney General Savvas Angelides. No further steps are planned as the legal framework prevents the Authority from challenging the position of the Legal Service on this case.