Cyprus Police Stand Ready as Independent Panel Takes Over Mafia State Inquiry

Officers in Cyprus remain on standby while a special panel of outside investigators leads the corruption probe stemming from journalist Makarios Drousiotis' book Mafia State.

Cyprus Police Stand Ready as Independent Panel Takes Over Mafia State Inquiry

Officers in Cyprus remain on standby while a special panel of outside investigators leads the corruption probe stemming from journalist Makarios Drousiotis' book Mafia State.

Spokesman Vyron Vyronos confirmed on Monday that the force has not launched its own inquiries into the matter and will only act once the independent team issues directions. He explained that the anti-corruption authority's conclusions were passed to chief Themistos Arnaoutis, though personnel have not yet studied them.

The outside investigators were appointed by the administration after the anti-graft body finished examining allegations in Drousiotis' publication. Its assessment suggested that ex-president Nicos Anastasiades and additional figures might bear criminal responsibility for misusing their authority.

Vyronos stressed that the force is prepared to offer assistance should the panel request it.

The five-member team was originally named at the start of July. One appointee, Christos Mylonopoulos, later stepped aside, and criminologist Ilias Anagnostopoulos was tapped as his replacement.

Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis indicated that the panel's logistical requirements — workspace and clerical staff — are being provided.

Source: Cyprus Mail

Source: Cyprus Mail