Cyprus police dig into viral video, tracking who made and shared it

By Elizabeth Georgiou

Cyprus authorities are moving quickly to investigate a video posted by the “Emily Thompson” account on X, which has sparked a wave of political and institutional reactions across the island.

Police say the investigation is proceeding on three parallel tracks, aiming to determine how the video was created, whether criminal offenses were committed, and who may be responsible for its publication.

Former Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Giorgos Lakkotrypis is reportedly preparing a detailed written testimony for the police, following a complaint he filed over what he describes as edited material intended to harm the country, the president, and himself.

Two other men appearing in the video, Charalambos Charalambous, Director of the President’s Office, and George Chrysochoos, Director of the Cyfield Group, are also expected to be called to provide statements. Investigators hope their testimony will clarify the circumstances of the meetings shown, identify potential contacts, and uncover who may have orchestrated the video’s recording and release.

Three-Pronged Investigation

The investigation is being handled by multiple police units:

• TAE Headquarters: Collecting testimonies from those appearing in the video and other witnesses, aiming to establish the purpose of the meetings and potential criminal liability.
• Criminal Investigation Service: Examining the video itself to determine if it was edited, spliced, or manipulated, as the raw material has not been released publicly.
• Cybercrime Sub-Directorate: Tracing the video’s online origin, the account that posted it, its country of upload, and whether there is any evidence of coordinated or organized digital activity.

Authorities have not ruled out seeking international assistance, including from European agencies such as Europol, if necessary. Sources note that the timing of the leak, coinciding with Cyprus’ high international profile due to its EU Presidency, is being evaluated, though investigators caution it is too early to draw conclusions.

Legal Service Remains Silent

The Republic’s Legal Service has declined to comment publicly. Meanwhile, extraordinary consultations were held yesterday between the Attorney General, the Chief of Police, and the President, as the probe continues.

Officials say their focus remains on identifying those involved, analyzing the technical aspects of the video, and tracing the material’s path up to its public release.

*Read the Greek version here.