Trial for 'golden passports' scheme begins in Nicosia

The trial regarding the controversial Cypriot citizenship-by-investment program officially commenced on Monday at the Nicosia Criminal Court. The proceedings involve ten defendants, including former Transport Minister Marios Demetriades, facing a total of 84 charges, which include corruption, bribery, money laundering, influence peddling, and conspiracy to defraud. The case focuses on the irregular granting of Cypriot passports to 19 foreign investors from China and Cambodia.

During the opening hearing, presided over by Judge Lefteris Panteli, the prosecution presented 29 initial exhibits, consisting primarily of official documents and application files obtained from the Interior Ministry. A police constable from the Criminal Investigation Department served as the first witness, acting as the custodian of the evidence. While the prosecution team, led by Haris Karaolidou, began by submitting documents uncontested by the defense, lawyer Elias Stefanou indicated his intention to formally object to the admissibility of specific future evidence.

The trial stems from investigations into the state's investment program that allowed wealthy foreigners to obtain EU citizenship. The court adjourned the proceedings shortly after the initial evidence submission and is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, October 20, at 9:30 a.m. to continue reviewing the submitted materials.