Nicosia, Cyprus. Investigator Andreas Paschalides said on Monday that no criminal wrongdoing was found involving public figures featured in a video leaked in January that alleged campaign finance lawbreaking by President Nikos Christodoulides and his associates.
Paschalides said the video was not authentic, describing it as the product of editing and of unconstitutional actions, and said it had little, if any, probative value.
Investigator’s findings
Paschalides said three individuals from Cyprus were the protagonists in the video, two of whom were known for active involvement in political events and a third for activities in the business sector.
He said the apparent purpose of producing the video was to harm the Republic of Cyprus rather than private interests.
Video allegations
The video was first shared on social media on January 8 by an account using the handle “EmilyTanalyst” and the name “Emily Thompson”.
It featured Christodoulides’ former chief of staff, Charalambos Charalambous, and former minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis discussing the use of cash donations to circumvent election campaign finance laws.
Both men also appeared to say that donations from oligarchs facing possible inclusion on international sanctions lists would result in Christodoulides defending and assisting them in avoiding European Union sanctions.
The video also alleged that the social support body, a fund managed by the first lady that provides financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, was being used by donors to seek favours from Christodoulides.
Resignations
Following the video’s publication, First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides resigned as chairwoman of the social support body, while Charalambous resigned as chief of staff.