Akel criticises closure of spy van investigation without published findings

Nicosia, Cyprus. Akel on Monday criticised the closure of the anti-corruption authority’s investigation into the spy van affair without the publication of its findings, accusing the state of multiple cover-ups.

Akel’s allegations

The party said evidence submitted to the House of Representatives and the courts indicated the operation of a system capable of mass surveillance and illegal wiretapping.

It said officials had been aware of alleged illegal surveillance linked to specific companies, while state agencies and politically connected individuals were allegedly involved in the activities.

Akel also criticised the legal service for suspending criminal prosecutions against the case’s central figures on public-interest grounds.

Investigation concerns

The party referred to the anti-corruption authority’s announcement earlier on Monday that the legal service had prevented it from investigating further. Akel accused authorities of maintaining a permanent attitude of obstructing investigations.

It added that findings by independent criminal investigator Elias Stefanou had not been made public, despite recommendations by the European Parliament that they should be released.

“Supposed public interest cannot be an alibi for covering up such a serious matter,” the party said.

Authority closes inquiry

The anti-corruption authority confirmed on Monday that it had closed its investigation into the affair, which centres on Tal Dilian, former chief commander of the Israeli military’s secret technology unit and former chief executive of WiSpear.

WiSpear operated a van believed to have been fitted with surveillance equipment.

The authority said Transparency Commissioner Harris Poyiadjis had approved partial disclosure of information because of the matter’s public interest, but said further details could not be released because they were classified as confidential.

Background to the case

The case originated from a complaint filed in 2023 by then auditor general Odysseas Michaelides.

Following subsequent developments and the publication in June of a book on the subject by a Cypriot journalist, the authority said it expanded its investigation to cover all related incidents and informed Attorney General George Savvides of its intentions.