Anti-corruption authority concludes investigation into “spy van affair”

Nicosia, Cyprus. The anti-corruption authority on Monday announced it had concluded its investigation into the “spy van affair”, concerning a company that offered private surveillance services using advanced technology installed in a van.

The authority said Transparency Commissioner Harris Poyiadjis had approved the partial disclosure of information because of the case’s public interest and extensive publicity. It said no further details could be released because the matter is classified as confidential.

Investigation background

The authority said the audit office filed the initial complaint in 2023. The complaint was signed by the then auditor-general, Odysseas Michaelides, who is now leader of the Alma party.

It said there had since been continuing developments in Cyprus, Greece and before European institutions, which it had monitored.

The authority said the latest development was the recent publication of a book on the matter by a journalist in Cyprus.

Contact with the attorney-general

In light of these developments, the authority decided to expand its inquiry to cover all incidents related to the “spy van” investigation.

Following a preliminary examination of its mandate, it informed Attorney-General George Savvides of its intention to proceed, it said.

The authority said correspondence was exchanged and a lengthy meeting was held at the legal service’s offices. It said it could not provide details because the attorney-general had classified the correspondence as confidential.

Conclusion of inquiry

According to the authority, the legal service informed it that all matters it intended to investigate had already been examined by the competent authorities.

It said this position, under the applicable legislation, allowed it to carry out the investigation it had planned. The authority said it has now completed the inquiry and will not take any further position or provide additional details.