Anti-Corruption Authority Finding: Potential Criminal Liability for 14 Individuals
The Independent Anti-Corruption Authority has released its long-awaited finding on the book "Mafia State", recommending investigation of 14 individuals for serious corruption offences.
Anti-Corruption Authority Finding: Potential Criminal Liability for 14 Individuals
Following an investigative process lasting approximately two and a half years, the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority has released its finding regarding allegations contained in the book "Mafia State" by Makarios Drousiotis. The document recommends investigation of 14 individuals for potential criminal offences.
Former President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades is named for three categories of charges: trading in influence in three instances, abuse of power as a felony in one instance, and abuse of power as a misdemeanour or attempted commission of a criminal offence in three instances.
The finding also includes lawyers Stathis Lemis and Fanos Filippou, partners in the former President's law firm, for trading in influence and money laundering from illegal activities. The same law firm is named for the same offences.
Former Assistant Attorney General Rikko Erotokritos is reported to be under investigation for abuse of power as a misdemeanour in two instances. Former President of the District Court Charis Solomonidis is named for bribery of a public official, transactions indicating corruption, and improper acquisition of financial benefit.
Lawyer Panagiotis Neokleous is included for conspiracy against the course of justice and trading in influence. Journalist Andreas Chadkyriakos is named for trading in influence, as is former Chief Executive Officer of the Popular Bank Efthymios Bouloutas, who is also reported to be under investigation for money laundering from illegal activities.
Furthermore, the finding names former Minister of Agriculture Niko Kougiali for abuse of power as a misdemeanour, former Member of Parliament Giorgos Varnava for the same offence or attempted commission of a criminal offence, former head of MOKAS Eva Rossi Papakyriakou for abuse of power or attempted commission of a criminal offence and omission of professional duty, and former Senior Police Officer Ioannis Sotiriades for abuse of power as a misdemeanour.
The Anti-Corruption Authority has now referred the file to the Attorney General for further decisions.
Source: Politis
Source: Politis