Dorita Yiannakou
Investigations. Findings. Suspicions abound, and the main players are top officials. The allegations? Acts of corruption. The Independent Authority Against Corruption examines the complaints, summons witnesses, and issues rulings. When criminal offenses and corruption are confirmed, the findings go to the Attorney General, who decides the next steps.
The Authority’s explosive report on former EDEK president and Limassol MP Marinos Sizopoulos, in connection with the Taxan Properties LTD case, is set to shake the political scene further. And rightly so. That’s exactly what it was appointed to do; tackle cases that reek of corruption from a mile away. Corruption in our country can no longer remain untouchable. The Authority’s investigations are far from formalities; they are a litmus test for the credibility of our political system. They should serve as a wake-up call about how networks of influence and backroom deals have operated, or continue to operate.
The Authority has fulfilled its duty. Even when delayed by limited resources and manpower, it has investigated and made decisions without flinching, willing to dig deep regardless of the status of those involved. This is the Authority’s chance to prove its relevance and cement its credibility in the public eye. And it must speak clearly through its findings with no hesitation nor second thoughts.
From here on, the ball is in the court of Justice. Only there will it be decided whether the country truly wants to turn the page or remain stuck in the familiar cycle of cover-ups.
Several long-pending cases are finally being resolved by the Authority. By the end of 2025, it is expected to close five, or more, major investigations. One of these is the Sizopoulos case, the first report in which criminal acts and corruption have been confirmed. The Authority found potential corruption-related offenses and criminal acts, including fraud, forgery, use of forged documents, and conspiracy to defraud.
Meanwhile, another case, still under wraps, involves alleged corruption by a high-ranking official. The report is complete, and an announcement of the findings is forthcoming.
The Authority is also preparing its statement on the first complaint by AKEL MP Christos Christofides, filed in September 2022, concerning contributions to DISY by newly naturalized citizens. According to the complaint, certain investors who received Cypriot nationality contributed a total of €205,000 to DISY, either shortly before or shortly after their naturalization.
Before year’s end, the investigation into the “The Land of Dreams” mega-development in Trimiklini, operating since 2012 without the necessary permits, will also be concluded. Sources indicate the report is expected in November, as all depositions have been completed.
Finally, regarding Makarios Drousiotis’s book Mafia State, the Authority’s report is expected by year-end.
The message is clear: the wheels of accountability are turning. The question now is whether Justice will act or whether the country will stay trapped in the same old cover-up routine.
