Anti-corruption authority may reopen black surveillance van case

Nicosia, Cyprus. The anti-corruption authority is reportedly preparing to launch a renewed investigation into the black surveillance van case, focusing on aspects not examined during the original criminal inquiry.

When contacted by the Cyprus Mail on Thursday, the authority said it could neither confirm nor deny that it was moving to reopen the case, but said it would issue a full public announcement when appropriate.

Scope of potential inquiry

According to Politis, the authority intends to expand its review beyond allegations involving Deputy Attorney-General Savvas Angelides.

It plans to examine elements of the case that were not investigated in 2021, including the conviction in Greece of individuals linked to the affair.

Among them is Tal Dilian, the former Mossad operative who owned the surveillance van and was convicted over the interception of communications involving Greek politicians, ministers and MPs.

Legal opinion sought

Before formally proceeding, the authority has decided to seek a legal opinion from an external law firm on the interpretation of article 10 of the law governing its powers, Politis reported.

The provision requires the authority to refrain from beginning or continuing a parallel inquiry after being notified by Attorney-General George Savvides that police or a criminal investigator is handling a corruption case.

Interpretation of legislation

The criminal investigation into the black surveillance van case concluded around four years ago, raising questions over whether article 10 can prevent a new review after criminal proceedings have ended.

Legal circles cited by Politis said the legislation was intended to prevent concurrent investigations rather than prohibit new inquiries once a criminal case has closed.