Newsroom
The high-profile investigation into allegations from the controversial book Mafia State is reaching its final stages, with Australian lawyer Gabrielle McIntyre arriving in Cyprus this week to oversee the process.
According to Kathimerini's Dorita Yiannakou, McIntyre, who heads the Independent Authority Against Corruption's largest and most critical probe to date, is expected to begin work immediately. Her focus will be on reviewing a massive volume of testimony gathered from over 100 witnesses, including prominent politicians, government officials, and other key figures.
Among those who have already testified are former Central Bank governors, political leader Averof Neophytou, and former EU Commissioner Christos Stylianides. Stylianides, who worked closely with journalist Makarios Drousiotis in Brussels, traveled to Cyprus to give his statement last summer.
The investigation now turns its attention to former President Nicos Anastasiades, whose testimony is highly anticipated. Anastasiades, who has been preparing his statement with the help of experts, will reportedly address every issue raised in the inquiry. Sources suggest his testimony will take several days and mark a pivotal moment in the investigation.
The Independent Authority launched the investigation in January 2023, following allegations outlined in Mafia State. Fieldwork by investigators began in April 2024, with testimonies from a range of witnesses being revisited multiple times to ensure thoroughness.
The conclusion of the investigation is expected around the end of the first quarter of 2025. Until then, McIntyre and her team will work to piece together the final elements of the puzzle, with Anastasiades' upcoming testimony likely to play a key role.
The public and political circles alike are eagerly awaiting the findings, which could have far-reaching implications for Cyprus' political landscape.
