Cyprus police form investigative team for Mafia State case as former president files appeal

Cyprus police have officially established a specialized investigative team to support independent criminal investigators in the “Mafia State” case. The team, based at the Police Headquarters’ Crime Combating Department, consists of seven officers, including four sergeants, two constables, and one special constable. This move follows a two-year investigation by the Independent Authority Against Corruption, which identified potential criminal liability for 15 individuals and entities, including former President Nicos Anastasiades. The independent panel, led by Vasileios Skouris, is currently overseeing the probe.

In a separate development, the law firm Nicos Chr. Anastasiades and Partners LLC has filed a legal challenge against the Independent Authority Against Corruption. The appeal seeks full access to the comprehensive 3,000-page findings report, which encompasses 200 sessions, testimony from 150 individuals, and 793 pieces of evidence. This marks the first time such an appeal has been launched against the anti-graft watchdog, raising significant questions about the rights of named parties to access evidence before criminal proceedings move forward. Legal analysts have expressed uncertainty regarding the procedural basis of this challenge, as the investigation has already been referred to the Attorney General.