Anti-corruption authority to reopen investigation into black surveillance van case

The Independent Authority Against Corruption in Cyprus is moving to restart its investigation into the controversial "black surveillance van" case. This decision follows a period of public dispute and communication gaps between the Authority and the Law Office regarding the scope of previous inquiries. The catalyst for the renewal is the admission that allegations concerning a conflict of interest involving Deputy Attorney General Savvas Angelides were never addressed by the original 2021 criminal investigation conducted by investigator Ilias Stefanou.

Beyond the specific allegations against the Deputy Attorney General, the Authority reportedly intends to broaden the scope of its probe to include previously unexamined incidents. This includes new evidence linked to convictions in Greece involving Tal Dilian, a former Mossad agent and owner of the van, concerning the wiretapping of Greek politicians and officials. Transparency Commissioner Haris Poyiadjis confirmed that while the initial inquiry was terminated following a July 29 meeting with the Law Office, the case is not considered closed. The Authority is now seeking external legal counsel to interpret the legislative provisions of Article 10, which governs its investigative powers, and is expected to issue a formal public announcement regarding the next steps in the coming days.