Cypriot police announce findings in 'Sandy' case — with Europol and FBI involvement
Police Chief Themistocles Arnaoutis will present on Wednesday the findings of the investigation into the 'Sandy' case. Europol and the FBI contributed to the inquiry.
Cyprus Police: Wednesday announcement of findings in the 'Sandy' case
Police Chief Themistocles Arnaoutis will present on Wednesday afternoon the findings of the investigation into the 'Sandy' case, along with related allegations by journalist Makarios Drousiotis, according to Cyprus Mail.
The briefing will take place at police headquarters and will be concluded with a question-and-answer session. Authorities stated that all claims examined by the special investigative task force would be addressed.
According to police sources, the case file is accompanied by assessments from Europol and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which examined material and other evidentiary submissions. Both organisations had already provided information during the investigative process.
Europol conveyed its position regarding evidence forwarded by Cypriot investigators, including dozens of SMS messages and electronic data from storage devices. The FBI report, compiled following visits by experts to Cyprus to review investigative methods and the profile of the person referred to as 'Sandy', is expected to generally support the police's handling of the case.
Investigators maintain that their findings do not confirm Drousiotis's claims. The allegations examined were assessed through witness testimonies, digital forensic analysis and verification from open sources, with contradictions identified at various critical points. A police statement states that "the investigation did not confirm the claims as presented" and that the conclusions will be fully disclosed at the briefing.
The case has attracted widespread attention owing to allegations of corruption and abuse of power against senior legal and political figures, who have denied any wrongdoing. The initial allegations focused on claims by Drousiotis concerning a woman referred to as 'Sandy' and alleged events spanning several years, which have been repeatedly disputed by those named.
In previous procedural stages, the appointment of an independent investigator was rejected, with authorities stating that the case would remain under the jurisdiction of the police and the legal service. Following completion of the investigative phase, the file is expected to be referred to the legal service, where prosecutors will evaluate whether further action is warranted or whether the case should be closed.
Source: Cyprus Mail