Nicosia, Cyprus. A series of investigations and legal proceedings has unfolded since 2020 over Cyprus’ citizenship-by-investment programme, involving former House President Demetris Syllouris, former Akel MP Christakis Giovanis, lawyer Andreas Pittadjis and others.
Commission and undercover footage
In September 2020, a new investigative commission was established to examine the citizenship-by-investment scheme.
In October 2020, Al Jazeera broadcast an undercover video showing Syllouris, Giovanis and Pittadjis appearing to assist the proxy of a pretend Chinese investor, said to have a supposed criminal record, in securing a Cypriot passport under the scheme. Syllouris and Giovanis resigned.
Panel appearance and legal actions
In April 2021, Syllouris and Giovanis declined to answer questions from the panel investigating the citizenship-by-investment programme.
In July 2021, Syllouris filed a lawsuit against Al Jazeera alleging violation of his personal data and defamation.
Later in July 2021, the Supreme Court rejected Al Jazeera’s request to file for prerogative writs seeking to cancel three injunctions obtained by Syllouris.
Police file and professional disciplinary action
In December 2021, police completed their investigation into Syllouris and Giovanis and forwarded the case file to the attorney-general.
In June 2022, Pittadjis was fined €4,000 by the Cyprus Bar Association for demeaning the profession.
Criminal trial decision and court developments
In July 2022, the attorney-general said Syllouris, Giovanis, Giovanis Group officer Antonis Antoniou and Pittadjis would face a criminal trial over their role in actions described as apparently giving naturalisations to foreign investors.
In June 2023, the Nicosia criminal court dismissed the case, citing a change in court composition, and the four defendants were temporarily acquitted of all charges before the case could be refiled.
In August 2023, it was decided the four defendants would appear again before the Nicosia court in September 2023.
What do you think should be the next step in handling cases linked to the citizenship-by-investment scheme?
