Anti-Corruption Authority initiates new probes and seeks investigative powers

The Independent Anti-Corruption Authority of Cyprus has launched four new investigations involving 20 current and former high-ranking officials. Additionally, the Authority is preparing new terms of reference to investigate Assistant Attorney General Savvas Angelides regarding an alleged conflict of interest in the 'spy van' case. By September, the agency had received 943 complaints, and it has requested criminal investigations into the newly identified matters, with the final decision resting with the Attorney General.

Simultaneously, the Authority is working on legislation to obtain full investigative powers, including the ability to appoint criminal investigators and refer case files directly to the Attorney General. Member of the Authority Nikos Zambakidis informed the Parliamentary Committee on Finance that discussions with the Legal Service have begun, despite concerns regarding the constitutionality of such powers. The Authority continues to face staffing challenges, though efforts are underway to fill 22 positions, including legal and transparency roles, to improve its operational capacity as it navigates these high-profile cases.