Ongoing dispute between Legal Service and Anti-Corruption Authority regarding 'black van' case

A public dispute has emerged between the Cyprus Legal Service and the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority, highlighting a significant breakdown in communication between the two key state institutions. The conflict centers on allegations of a conflict of interest involving Assistant Attorney General Savvas Angelides during the investigation into the 2019 'black van' case. Both parties have issued multiple statements, eventually clarifying that the conflict of interest issue regarding Angelides has not been investigated by any body, largely because these claims surfaced only after criminal investigator Ilias Stefanou had already submitted his final report. As a result of this clarification, the Anti-Corruption Authority is now considering reopening the investigation into the case.

The 'black van' case surfaced in 2019 when Forbes reported on a vehicle owned by Israeli businessman Tal Dilian in Larnaca, equipped with advanced mobile surveillance technology. Following an extensive police investigation, the Data Protection Commissioner imposed a €925,000 fine on Dilian's company, Wispear. Although the Attorney General initially suspended criminal proceedings against individuals involved, the company eventually pleaded guilty in 2022 to 42 charges and was fined €76,000 by the Larnaca District Court, though authorities concluded evidence was insufficient for further personal prosecutions.