Authority for Transparency: Criminal Investigations in Focus – Handover of Material for "Mafia State"
The Independent Anti-Corruption Authority states it is ready to conduct criminal investigations with its own investigators, whilst on Monday it will hand over findings from the investigation into the book "Mafia State" to the Legal Service and the Tax Commissioner.
Authority for Transparency: Criminal Investigations in Focus – Handover of Material for "Mafia State"
The independent service that oversees corruption matters in the Republic now states it is in a position to proceed with criminal investigations using its own personnel, according to comments made by the head of the service on a journalism platform.
Haris Pogiatzis, head of the service, responded to questions regarding a legislative initiative from a parliamentary group concerning the appointment of investigative staff. He noted that the issue had been raised from the outset when the organisation was established, but remained outstanding. Now, he said, the conditions are ripe and the service is able to conduct criminal investigations with its own personnel.
A similar practice is already being followed by the body that examines complaints against security forces, with the difference that in that case approval for investigators comes from the highest prosecuting authority.
Regarding conclusions that emerged from the examination of four auditors concerning what is described in the specific book and other allegations, the head of the service stated that the findings and detailed documentation will be handed over on Monday 22 June to the Legal Service and the tax commissioner.
At the same time, all the evidence material that was gathered (testimony and information) will be sent digitally to the Legal Service. The printed form of this material will be retained at the service's offices, with access available to any investigative staff member who takes over the further investigation.
Additionally, a list will be handed over to the tax commissioner containing the names of state officials and public employees (active and former) who appear in the findings as potentially liable for criminal offences, so that they may be checked for tax obligations. The tax commissioner will not be given the evidence material (testimony – information).
Source: philenews
Source: Philenews