Nicosia, Cyprus. Police said on Wednesday that no evidence was found to support a series of serious allegations made public by journalist Makarios Drousiotis in the ‘Sandy’ case. Police chief Themistos Arnaoutis said an extensive investigation determined the claims were unsupported by testimony, forensic findings and objective evidence.
Press conference in Nicosia
Addressing a press conference at the police academy in Nicosia, Arnaoutis said the allegations had caused significant public concern because of claims involving the sexual abuse of a minor, corruption, blackmail, surveillance, cover ups and interference in state institutions. He said the reports also named individuals who held prominent positions in public life.
“The reports by Makarios Drousiotis have deeply concerned Cypriot society and have raised serious questions and strong public interest,” Arnaoutis said.
Scope of the investigation
Arnaoutis said the allegations were not simple or ordinary reports and that the role of the police was to investigate facts rather than public narratives.
He said the investigation was conducted by a large team of officers using all available scientific, technical and international resources.
The inquiry included witness testimony, forensic examinations, analysis of electronic data, financial investigations, examination of company records, checks of state registries, scrutiny of telecommunications data and judicial assessment of evidence.
Police findings
Arnaoutis said the conclusions reached by investigators were based entirely on evidence gathered during the inquiry.
“The conclusion is clear. No testimony arose that would support the serious crimes being alleged that were publicly presented against the persons who were named or involved in these allegations,” he said.
According to Arnaoutis, investigators concluded that material forming the basis of the allegations, including disputed messages and audio extracts, was false and fabricated.