Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ anti-corruption authority is expected on Tuesday to issue an announcement on its findings into allegations made in the book Mafia State. The authority has said it will release a detailed summary rather than publish the full investigative report.
Announcement on findings
The Cyprus Mail understands that if the authority concludes that criminal offences may have been committed by those investigated, it will identify the alleged offences in its statement as well as the person or persons involved. Sources close to the authority declined to provide information ahead of the announcement and advised patience.
Background to the book
First published in late 2022, Mafia State was written by investigative journalist Makarios Drousiotis. The book portrays Cyprus as a systemically corrupt state and makes allegations against former president Nicos Anastasiades and other senior officials.
Response from Anastasiades
Anastasiades has rejected all allegations and has sued Drousiotis for defamation. He is expected to be briefed on the findings before a general statement is made.
Scope of the investigation
Investigators working for the anti-corruption authority submitted their final report at the end of April. The dossier is said to be about 3,000 pages long.
Evidence gathered
During the investigation, the team held about 200 sessions, interviewed 150 people and received 793 evidentiary items.