Newsroom
Cypriots got an unexpected glimpse of their Auditor General, Andreas Papakonstantinou, in full undercover mode this week, wig, sunglasses and hat included, riding a public bus. The image quickly went viral on social media, with many users joking that it looked more like a Photoshop experiment than a real-life sighting.
But it was indeed real. On today’s RIK show From Day to Day, Audit Office representative Yiota Michael confirmed the photo wasn’t edited. She also revealed that the Auditor General has requested a criminal investigation into how the photo was leaked.
Michael explained that the disguise was part of a larger, coordinated effort by the Audit Office. “All our colleagues had taken to the streets,” she said. “There were routes we followed. We wanted to see, find out, and experience the journey of citizens using the buses firsthand.”
The Auditor General himself reportedly joined the on-the-ground inspections to better understand how commuters experience public transport, all with the goal of improving the system. Michael promised that the findings will be detailed in a forthcoming special report.
For now, the image of the AG in disguise is giving Cypriots plenty to talk (and joke) about, from wondering if he really pulled off the wig and sunglasses combo to debating if future bus inspectors should also travel undercover.
