Paphos, Cyprus. Attorney-general George Savvides is reportedly examining a police file concerning suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos following a four-year investigation into allegations including embezzlement and unlawful recruitment practices.
The inquiry stems from a complaint by a municipal employee who was dismissed shortly after alerting the authorities.
Allegations under investigation
The investigation began in April 2022 and focuses on four main allegations involving Phedonos and a senior official of the Paphos municipality.
The allegations relate to the alleged diversion of €1.5 million from the municipality’s employees’ pension fund, the appointment of at least five staff members outside approved procedures, the unlawful subletting of Turkish Cypriot property for commercial use, and the improper use of an official vehicle with municipal employees paid overtime to act as drivers.
Audit office involvement
Police inquiries were supported by parallel examinations carried out by the audit office.
Auditors conducted an on-site inspection at the municipality in May 2023 and produced findings that were later incorporated into the broader criminal investigation.
Evidence gathered by investigators
Investigators gathered documents, internal correspondence and witness statements which, according to police sources, pointed to breaches of established procedures and regulatory frameworks governing local authorities.
Official vehicle records
One aspect of the case concerns the use of the mayor’s official vehicle.
According to material obtained during the investigation, the vehicle was used without the required administrative records, and an internal report states that no vehicle journey log was kept and no monthly cost statements were maintained, contrary to regulation.
What do you think should happen next after the attorney-general reviews the police file?
