Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ anti-corruption authority said on Monday that developments in the ‘Sandy affair’ will not affect its ongoing investigation into other allegations made by journalist Makarios Drousiotis in his book Mafia State. The statement came as reports surfaced that another photograph provided by ‘Sandy’ was taken from the internet.
Authority says inquiry into Mafia State continues
Head of the anti-corruption authority Harris Poyadjis said claims surrounding ‘Sandy’ will “in no case” affect the probe into Mafia State. The investigation was launched after the book’s publication and examines allegations of systemic corruption and abuse of power, including claims involving former president Nicos Anastasiades, who has denied wrongdoing and pursued legal action against Drousiotis.
Witnesses and evidence gathered
The case has drawn public attention, with more than 100 witnesses heard and hundreds of pieces of evidence gathered over two years.
Report timeline and publication plan
Speaking to Phileleftheros, Poyadjis said the report into Mafia State would be delivered by the end of the month. The report is being compiled by a team of four legal experts, and the final dossier is expected to be voluminous, requiring about a month for the anti-corruption body to review it and issue its findings.
Poyadjis said the authority will not publish the report in full and will release only its conclusions after reviewing the dossier. If any criminal wrongdoing is established, the authority will relay these points to the attorney-general’s office.
New report on ‘Sandy’ photo
On Monday, it emerged that another photo provided by the woman known as ‘Sandy’ was taken from the social media account of another person. ‘Sandy’ is at the centre of allegations published by Drousiotis and claims to have been raped by former Supreme Court judge Michalakis Christodoulou.
What do you expect the anti-corruption authority to publish after reviewing the dossier?