Head of betting authority investigated

The head of the National Betting Authority, Ioanna Fiakkou, is currently facing a criminal investigation for allegedly refusing to provide evidence in a probe conducted by a former member of the Ethics and Sports Protection Committee, Harris Savvides, regarding football match-fixing.

On Tuesday, 14 June, Mr. Savvides lodged a complaint with the Institutional Affairs Committee, stating that the National Betting Authority had declined to hand over evidence during its investigation into a betting company that was reportedly involved in match-fixing, according to witnesses. He expressed concern over the implications for private citizens who might hesitate to come forward as witnesses if the National Betting Authority refused to cooperate with a commission appointed by the state.

During the proceedings, a heated debate ensued between AKEL MP Irene Charalambidou and the head of the National Betting Authority, marked by passionate exchanges and even slaps on the benches.

Ms. Charalambidou asserted, "You have concealed information, and you are obliged to provide an explanation to the Parliamentary Institutions Committee. Concealing evidence is a criminal offense."

Ms. Fiakkou responded by stating that her duty is to testify before the relevant committees, which she has been doing. She called for the intervention of the Legal Service to clarify the situation, revealing that she is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities. The spokesperson for the Legal Service stated that the individual who has been reported and is under investigation has the right to remain silent, as anything they say before the House Committee may be used against them in a court of law.

[This article was translated from its Greek original]