Nicosia, Cyprus. The full findings of the anti-corruption authority’s investigation into the book Mafia State were handed to the police and the cabinet on Tuesday to allow a criminal investigation to begin. The prosecutorial council of the Law Office said it sent the report, the final findings of inspection officers and all accompanying material directly to investigative and executive authorities.
Decision to forward report
The Law Office’s prosecutorial council said the material was sent so that “the criminal investigation of offences that may have been committed by any person can begin as soon as possible”.
According to the statement, the decision was taken after considering attorney-general George Savvides and his deputy Savvas Angelides’ recusal from the case, the authority’s submission of its findings, and the public interest arising from the scope of the allegations and the individuals involved.
Reasoning cited by the prosecutorial council
The prosecutorial council said it was also guided by “the need to continue the smooth functioning of institutions and the administration of justice”.
It added that forwarding the material without assessment was necessary “with a view to preserving the objectivity of the investigation”.
Scope of the report
The anti-corruption authority’s report spans around 3,000 pages and examines allegations originally made by journalist Makarios Drousiotis in his book Mafia State.
The report includes references to former president Nicos Anastasiades and other public figures and institutions. The authority has recommended further criminal investigation into multiple strands of potential wrongdoing.
Parallel steps
The cabinet had already indicated its intention to appoint independent criminal investigators.
The tax commissioner is already conducting parallel audits.
