Attorney General denies blocking anti-corruption investigation into Assistant Attorney General

On September 30, 2026, Attorney General George Savvides formally rejected claims that he obstructed an investigation by the Independent Authority Against Corruption into Assistant Attorney General Savvas Angelides. The investigation concerns the notorious "black van" surveillance case. Speaking after a Parliamentary Legal Committee meeting, Savvides emphasized that any suggestion of interference based on his correspondence with the Authority is a superficial misinterpretation of the facts. He clarified that the Authority has full autonomy to initiate inquiries and that he lacks the legal authority to halt them.

The controversy centers on allegations of potential conflict of interest regarding Angelides. Specifically, investigations focus on historical connections from 2019-2021, including a partnership between Abraham Shak Avni and Michael Angelides, the brother of the Assistant Attorney General, who was involved in the surveillance case. Savvides noted that because the initial police investigation concluded in 2021 and the corruption complaint was filed in 2023, his office could not have addressed those specific allegations in earlier reports.

Following these statements, the path is now considered clear for the Anti-Corruption Authority to proceed. The body is expected to appoint investigators and formally define the terms of reference, which will include examining potential incompatibilities involving Savvas Angelides. Both the Legal Service and the Authority have expressed a mutual goal of maintaining communication to ensure efficient oversight while avoiding redundant investigations.