Cyprus police establish specialized unit for 'mafia state' investigation

On September 15, 2026, the Cyprus Police officially formed a dedicated investigative team to collaborate with independent criminal investigators on the high-profile 'mafia state' case. The new unit, based at the Police Headquarters’ Crime Combating Department, consists of seven officers: four sergeants, two constables, and one special constable. This team will support the work of five previously appointed independent investigators, led by Vasileios Skouris and including Ilias Anagnostopoulos, Sotiris Liasidis, Nikolas Koursaris, and Dimitris Tsolakidis, who held their inaugural meeting on July 13.

The investigation stems from a two-year inquiry by the Independent Authority Against Corruption into allegations detailed in a book. The findings implicate 15 individuals, including former government officials and private citizens. Notably, former President Nicos Anastasiades faces potential criminal liability, specifically regarding three counts of trading in influence and one count of the felony of abuse of power. The establishment of this police unit marks a significant step in formalizing the criminal probe, as authorities move to verify the allegations raised by the corruption watchdog. The investigation remains ongoing as the newly formed team begins its cooperation with the independent experts to process the evidence against the named subjects.