Cyprus Anti-Corruption Authority: 'Possible abuse of power' by former President Anastasiades
The Independent Authority for Combating Corruption in Cyprus identified possible abuse of power by former President Nicos Anastasiades. The findings have been referred to the relevant authorities.
Cypriot anti-corruption authority finds irregularities during Anastasiades' tenure
The Independent Authority for Combating Corruption in Cyprus announced on Tuesday that it had identified possible abuse of power by former President Nicos Anastasiades during his time in office, according to Naftemporiki.
The alleged violations include irregularities in the financing of pre-election campaigns, attempts to influence investigations concerning businessmen who were funders of political parties, as well as institutional interventions in matters connected to his personal interests.
The findings also include the alleged use of political influence, even before his election, to advance citizenship applications connected to clients of his law firm — among them wealthy Russian businessmen.
Anastasiades served as President of Cyprus from 2013 to 2023. During this period, thousands of wealthy investors acquired a Cypriot passport through an investment-for-citizenship programme. The programme was suspended in 2020 following revelations of supervisory shortcomings.
The Authority clarified that it bases its assessment on 'balance of probabilities' and not on the criminal standard of proof. 'The findings do not entail criminal convictions and all involved persons continue to be entitled to the presumption of innocence,' it stated in a statement.
Anastasiades has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
The two-year investigation is a test of Cyprus' readiness to investigate alleged irregularities at the highest levels of government. The Authority is examining allegations made by Anastasiades' former aide, Makarios Drousiotes, who claims that during his tenure a system of close interconnection was established between political power, business interests, lawyers and state institutions, which weakened accountability and the rule of law.
Drousiotes, an investigative journalist, made these claims in his book titled 'State of the Mafia'. Anastasiades responded with his own account published last year under the title 'The Sycophant'.
Source: Naftemporiki