Report on 'Mafia State': 13 individuals and Anastasiades in the spotlight – independent criminal investigators sought
The Anti-Corruption Authority names 13 natural persons and two law firms for alleged criminal offences. The appointment of independent criminal investigators is deemed urgent.
Independent criminal investigators for the 'Mafia State' – who is named in the report
The report by the Anti-Corruption Authority on the 'Mafia State' case names 13 natural persons and two law firms for the alleged commission of criminal offences, according to Politis. At the centre is former President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades, who faces charges of bribery in three instances, abuse of power as a felony in one instance, and abuse of power as a misdemeanour in three instances.
The gravity of the findings, the institutional positions held by the named individuals, and their connections with serving state officials make the appointment of independent criminal investigators necessary, according to Politis, to ensure impartiality and transparency in the investigation.
Named individuals and offences
From the partners of the law firm Nicos Chr. Anastasiades & Partners, Stathis Lemis and Fanos Philippou each face one charge of bribery and one charge of laundering proceeds from illegal activities. The same charges are brought against the firm itself as a legal entity.
Rikko Erotokritos, former Assistant Attorney General, faces two instances of abuse of power as a misdemeanour. Charis Solomonidis, former President of the District Court, is named for bribery of a public official, transactions indicating corruption, and unlawful acquisition of material benefit, one instance each.
The law firm A. Neokleous & Co DEPE faces charges of bribery of a public official, transactions indicating corruption, and active bribery of related public officials with corporate liability. Lawyer Panayiotis Neokleous is named for conspiracy to obstruct the course of justice in one instance.
Dmitri Rybolovlev faces one charge of bribery, as does Andreas Chatzikyriakos, journalist and communications specialist. Efthymios Bouloutas, Chief Executive of the Laiki Bank, faces one charge of bribery and one charge of laundering proceeds.
Nicos Kougialis, former Minister of Agriculture, is named for one instance of abuse of power as a misdemeanour. Giorgos Varnavas, former Member of Parliament, faces a charge of abuse of power as a misdemeanour or attempt to commit a criminal offence. Eva Rossidou Papakyriakou, former head of MOCAS, is named for abuse of power or attempt and negligence of official duty. Finally, Ioannis Sotiriades, former senior police officer, faces one charge of abuse of power as a misdemeanour.
Penalties and next steps
The offences of laundering proceeds from illegal activities carry a sentence of imprisonment of up to 14 years, whilst abuse of power and bribery of a public official carry a sentence of up to 7 years.
According to the report, the entirety of the file and the witness material will be transmitted to the Attorney General, whilst it will also be sent to the Tax Commissioner. The Attorney General may appoint criminal investigators or instruct the police to conduct a criminal investigation. The Cabinet also retains the authority to proceed with the appointment of independent criminal investigators.
Conflict of interest in the Legal Service
Legal circles are hotly debating the conflict that arises for Attorney General Giorgos Savvides and Assistant Attorney General Savva Angelides. Both served as ministers during Anastasiades's term and were appointed to head the Legal Service by him. The final conclusion of any criminal investigation would have to pass through their hands in order for the decision to be made whether or not to bring proceedings against the former President.
Similar observations apply to the current President of the Republic Nicos Christodoulides, who was one of Anastasiades's closest collaborators for nine years, serving as government spokesperson and Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the event that the Cabinet is called upon to decide on the appointment of independent investigators, the issue of impartiality also arises for him.
Anastasiades: 'I categorically deny'
The former President himself responded with a written statement, stating that "I categorically deny the crimes attributed to me and I request immediate investigation by the competent authorities". At the same time, he requested "the exclusion of the Attorney General and the Assistant Attorney General from the supervision of the investigations, so that it may become clear with substantiation the groundlessness of the allegations made against me".
Source: Politis