FBI to join Cyprus probe into ''Santi'' case as pressure builds for answers

An FBI team is expected in Cyprus in the coming days to assist in the ongoing investigation into the high-profile “Santi” case, also referred to as the “Sandy” case in previous KNEWS coverage.

Speaking at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, President Nikos Christodoulides said he contacted the U.S. government last week to request assistance, receiving a swift response. The FBI team is expected to help local authorities analyze testimonies and other evidence already collected.

What is the “Santi” case?

The case has gripped public attention in Cyprus, involving serious allegations of sexual assault and a growing list of claims and counterclaims.

In earlier reporting, KNEWS detailed how a former Supreme Court judge, Michalis Christodoulou, strongly denied accusations linking him to rape allegations made publicly by journalist Makarios Drousiotis. Speaking in a televised interview, the former judge described the claims as “vile slander,” insisting they are false and have caused significant emotional strain on his family.

He acknowledged knowing a woman identified under the pseudonym “Sandy" or "Santi," but rejected key parts of the allegations, saying she had approached him herself and that any messages attributed to him could be disproven through forensic checks.

Christodoulou has said he is ready to cooperate fully with authorities, even offering to hand over his devices, while calling for the investigation to move forward quickly.

Investigation moving forward

According to the president, the investigation is already at an advanced stage, with police working through evidence and maintaining cooperation with Europol on specialized forensic matters.

Officials say the priority is to fully examine the case as quickly as possible while ensuring the process remains thorough and credible.

The arrival of the FBI is expected to bring additional expertise to the probe—at a time when public interest and expectations remain high.