Cyprus attorney-general finds no criminal offence in complaints against Bishop Christoforou

Nicosia, Cyprus. Attorney-general George Savvides ruled on Tuesday that no criminal offence had been committed by Bishop Christoforou of Karpasia over complaints related to the management of funds belonging to the pancyprian parents’ union.

Attorney-general’s ruling and investigation

The allegations concerned events said to have taken place in 2020 and claimed the bishop transferred money from the association’s treasury into personal accounts.

The case was investigated by Limassol CID before being submitted to the attorney general’s office, which concluded after assessing the evidence that no offence had been established.

Bishop’s response and related claims

Bishop Christoforou had previously said he would fully cooperate with authorities, stating through his lawyers that he was making himself “available” to investigators examining the claims.

Earlier allegations suggested that around €110,000 from a private club where he had served as president was transferred through third-party accounts before reaching his own. A complainant alleged the bishop “abused” her trust and altered the club’s charter to allow such transfers, and claimed that money raised through donations was diverted from its intended destination.

The bishop also said the timing of the complaint was significant and “cannot be disconnected from the upcoming filling of the position of the Paphos bishopric,” referring to internal church dynamics.

No criminal proceedings

Following the attorney-general’s ruling, no criminal proceedings will be pursued against Bishop Christoforou in relation to the parents’ union case.

What do you think the ruling means for public oversight of organisations managing donated funds?