Nicosia, Cyprus. Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou is under investigation on suspicion of embezzling EU funds, media reports said on Tuesday, though Panayiotou said he is unaware of any such probe.
Panayiotou response to reports
Contacted by newspaper Phileleftheros, Panayiotou, 25, said he had no “official information” that he is the subject of an investigation. He said he was aware of the reports and planned to respond in a video he would upload in the coming days.
Authorities cited in media reports
According to Phileleftheros, Politis and other news websites, Panayiotou is being investigated by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. Some news sources said the matter is also being examined by Olaf, the European Anti-Fraud Office.
Allegations and reported expenses
The reports said the allegations were initially made one to two months ago to Cyprus’ anti-corruption authority. The allegation is that Panayiotou used EU funds to rent a villa, or an apartment according to other accounts, in Limassol and declared the premises as office space. The rent was reported to be about €5,000 to €6,000 per month.
Referral to European authorities
Reports said Cyprus’ anti-corruption authority examined the matter and passed its findings to European authorities. While the authority does not comment publicly, Politis reported it confirmed that information was forwarded to European prosecutors who are investigating.
Claim about pace of investigation
Another news website reported that European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kovesi instructed the investigation be expedited to conclude before May, when parliamentary elections are due to take place in Cyprus.
What do you think should happen next if the investigation confirms misuse of EU funds?