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Former president Nicos Anastasiades is linked to seven potential offences in the findings of Cyprus' Independent Authority Against Corruption following its investigation into allegations contained in the book Mafia State
The report, published on Tuesday following an inquiry that lasted nearly three and a half years, attributes seven potential offences to Anastasiades. These include three alleged cases of influence peddling, one alleged case of abuse of power classified as a felony and three alleged cases involving abuse of power or attempted criminal conduct.
According to the findings, investigators concluded that there are sufficient indications, based on the standard of proof applied by the Authority, to suggest that Anastasiades may have acted as a passive trader in alleged influence peddling activities. The report describes this as a person who received or accepted an alleged undue advantage in return for exercising, or proposing to exercise, improper influence over decisions made by public officials.
The investigation was launched to examine allegations detailed in Mafia State, a book by journalist Makarios Drousiotis. The Authority's final report spans approximately 3,000 pages and is based on evidence gathered during 214 hearings. Investigators heard testimony from 150 witnesses and reviewed 793 exhibits submitted by government departments, companies and other organisations.
A significant section of the report focuses on legal proceedings connected to Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev and trusts holding part of his assets. In 2013, companies linked to those trusts sought injunctions from the Nicosia District Court aimed at preventing Rybolovlev's former wife from pursuing legal action outside Cyprus concerning trust property.
The applications were filed by Andreas Neocleous & Co and were heard by then Nicosia District Court President Haris Solomidou, who granted the requested interim orders. Investigators later examined the employment of Solomidou's wife by the law firm and the handling of that information during court proceedings.
According to the findings, evidence gathered during the investigation showed that Solomidou's wife was employed by Andreas Neocleous & Co rather than by a separate affiliated company, contrary to statements referenced in recusal proceedings. Investigators concluded, on the balance of probabilities, that the fact was intentionally concealed and that the law firm and lawyer Panayiotis Neocleous contributed to its non-disclosure.
The report identifies potential corruption-related offences involving several other individuals and entities. Solomidou is linked to three alleged offences, including bribery of a public official, transactions indicating corruption and unlawful acquisition of a financial benefit.
Panayiotis Neocleous is linked to an alleged offence of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, while Andreas Neocleous & Co is associated with alleged offences including bribery of a public official, transactions indicating corruption and active bribery of public officials.
Rybolovlev is listed in connection with one alleged case of influence peddling. Former assistant attorney-general Rikkos Erotokritou, former minister Nicos Kouyialis, former MP Giorgos Varnava and a number of current and former officials are also named in the findings.
The Authority states that investigators found sufficient indications of possible offences based on the evidence collected during the inquiry. The findings do not constitute criminal charges, convictions or determinations of guilt. Individuals examined during the investigation were informed of the findings before the report was released.
