Investigation Reveal - Explosive Allegations of Corruption in 'Mafia State' to Be Unveiled by Cyprus Authorities This Fall
The Independent Anti-Corruption Authority (IACA) in Cyprus has been conducting an extensive investigation into the book "Mafia State," with a focus on allegations of corruption against former President Nicos Anastasiades. This investigation, the largest ever undertaken by the IACA, involves 214 sessions and hearings, summoning 129 individuals from Cyprus and abroad, and collecting over 550 pieces of evidence, including thousands of digitized documents.
The probe, led by Australian legal expert Gabrielle McIntyre and a team of Cypriot lawyers, was initiated ex officio following repeated meetings with the book's author, Makarios Drousiotis, who had previously worked as Anastasiades' aide before publishing corruption allegations. Due to the broad scope and jurisdictional limits, the investigation narrowed its focus, issuing terms of reference that covered most of the book’s claims.
In a move to maintain confidentiality, the IACA has appointed Inspectors for the investigation, and all proceedings are being conducted under strict confidentiality. Only the Transparency Commissioner has the authority to approve the disclosure of any information. The IACA has warned that social media posts about the report are inaccurate and misleading, and no member of the Authority will make any further comments on the matter, apart from this announcement.
Legal actions are ongoing against Drousiotis, including defamation suits from Anastasiades and complaints by police officers depicted in the book. The report will be delivered to the IACA in parts, reflecting each chapter of the book that was investigated. The IACA has already received the report on one chapter, and the remaining chapter reports are expected to be delivered and reviewed by mid-autumn.
Once all chapters have been reviewed and the inspectors’ reports for each section have been received, the IACA will publish a detailed statement with the Authority's final decision and findings. This approach allows the IACA sufficient time to review and assess the contents of each part of the report. The final report and detailed findings are expected to be published by mid-autumn 2025.
The IACA, it should be noted, has investigative but not prosecutorial powers. This means that while it can gather evidence and issue reports, it does not have the power to prosecute individuals. The final report and conclusions of the investigation into the book "Mafia State" will be a significant milestone in the IACA's efforts to combat corruption in Cyprus.
[1] "Independent Anti-Corruption Authority Launches Investigation into 'Mafia State' Book." Cyprus Mail, 1 February 2024. www.cyprus-mail.com/2024/02/01/independent-anti-corruption-authority-launches-investigation-into-mafia-state-book/
[2] "Cyprus President Faces Corruption Probe in Largest Ever Anti-Corruption Authority Investigation." Greek City Times, 1 February 2024. www.greekcitytimes.com/2024/02/01/cyprus-president-faces-corruption-probe-in-largest-ever-anti-corruption-authority-investigation/
[3] "Ex-Cyprus President Anastasiades Under Investigation for Corruption Allegations." Sputnik, 1 February 2024. www.sputniknews.com/europe/202402011078846493-ex-cyprus-president-anastasiades-under-investigation-for-corruption-allegations/
- The Independent Anti-Corruption Authority (IACA) in Cyprus, as part of the ongoing investigation into the book "Mafia State," is focusing on policy-and-legislation and politics, particularly the allegations of corruption against former President Nicos Anastasiades.
- The general news about the IACA's investigation into the book "Mafia State" has been dominated by reports from Cyprus and abroad, highlighting the significance of this probe for the country's policy-and-legislation and politics.
