Cyprus intensifies probe into ex-President Anastasiadis in "Golden Passports" scandal

The Independent Anti-Corruption Authority is intensifying its probe into former Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiadis about alleged corruption in the “golden passports” scheme, as detailed in journalist Makarios Drousiotis’s book 'Mafia State', Politis newspaper reported.

The investigation, led by Gabrielle Louise McIntyre, an international legal expert, is expected to conclude by year’s end, with Anastasiadis slated to testify daily for a week. His testimony is expected to conclude in January 2025, at which point the Anti-Corruption Authority will present its findings.

The probe includes testimony from former officials, politicians, and journalists to verify the incidents Drousiotis outlines in his book. Drousiotis has also been called to give additional testimony to clarify certain points raised by other witnesses.

While the Anti-Corruption Authority lacks direct prosecutorial powers, any findings will be forwarded to the Attorney General, who may initiate a criminal investigation if warranted.

Meanwhile, AKEL MP Christos Christofidis criticized the authority for delays in processing his separate corruption complaints against Anastasiadis. During a parliamentary budget discussion, Christofidis questioned why Anastasiadis isn’t officially under investigation despite the scope of complaints linking him to the scheme. Christofidis cited concerns over potential conflicts of interest involving Anastasiadis and noted he had submitted evidence implicating Anastasiadis’s associates in possible passport-related deals.

The Anti-Corruption Authority, facing mounting scrutiny, disclosed that it has registered 230 formal and 85 anonymous complaints to date