Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ anti-corruption authority on Monday declined to comment on reports that it is investigating a former member of parliament over alleged fraud and misappropriation of funds linked to a non-profit organisation. The case remains under investigation, with no charges filed and the identity of the former MP not made public.
Reported investigation
The comments followed a report by newspaper Politis that a third former MP had become the subject of an investigation by the authority, after ongoing cases involving former MPs Marinos Sizopoulos and Giorgos Varnava.
According to the report, the former MP is being investigated for possible offences related to fraud and the alleged misappropriation of funds through a non-profit company of which he is reportedly the sole shareholder.
The newspaper said the investigation is focusing on around €1.3 million in national and European funding received by the organisation, with investigators examining whether the funds were improperly managed.
Authority response
Asked to comment, transparency commissioner Harris Poyiadjis told the Cyprus News Agency that the anti-corruption authority does not comment on the details of cases under investigation before inquiries have been completed.
“The authority, for the protection of the investigative process, does not comment on the elements under investigation until the completion of its findings,” he said.
Poyiadjis added that information appearing in the media originates from sources outside the authority’s control.
Inquiry status
According to the Politis report, the investigation is already under way, with investigators taking statements from individuals who may have knowledge of the case.
These reportedly include parliamentary officials and civil servants from various ministries, while the former MP himself is expected to be called to testify at a later stage.
The investigation is being conducted by former judge Sotiris Liasides and lawyer Nikolas P Constantinou.