"Sandi" and Drousiotes recalled for questioning — lawyers seek clarity on motives
Police enter a second phase of investigations into fake messages of corruption and child abuse allegations. Lawyers are demanding answers about motives and possible accomplices.
New round of questioning in fake messages case — "Sandi" and Drousiotes summoned
Cyprus Police has entered a second phase of investigations following the discovery that messages concerning allegations of corruption and child abuse in institutions were fabricated, according to Philenews. Following directions from the Legal Service, authorities are now examining whether those involved — or other persons — bear criminal responsibility for the creation and circulation of the fake messages, as well as for statements or online posts.
The Police Chief stated that those involved have been notified and at some stage will be called for questioning. The presumption of innocence applies and they have the right to silence or to respond to interrogators. Before the investigation reaches this stage, further examination of dozens of SMS messages and posts is not ruled out, so that persons can be questioned on specific matters.
Offences under investigation
The offences being examined include the creation of fake messages, the dissemination of false news, and the undermining of institutions through statements or posts. It is noted, however, that the circulation of forged documents requires guilty intent — an element which, as is pointed out, does not appear to arise from the facts.
"Sandi" herself has stated that she passed the fabricated messages to lawyer Nicos Clerides without informing him of their falsity. Consequently, Clerides did not know that the material presented to him was fabricated.
Search for journalist Orphanides
The matter of taking a statement from journalist Stelios Orphanides, whose name became involved in the case in relation to an alleged trip by "Sandi" to Germany, remains open. Orphanides was sought but not located, resulting in a request being sent to the authorities of Britain for assistance in locating him. From the evidence so far, there is no indication that he knew the audio file sent to him by "Sandi" was fake.
"Sandi's" motives
According to the affidavit filed by Police with the Court for securing a search warrant at Clerides's premises, on 6 April 2026 K.K. was called to the Police Station and gave an interrogation statement. She stated that her initial motive for fabricating the case was to feel important — which is why she approached lawyer Nicos Clerides, referring to a judge in order to appear credible.
Over time, it appears she fabricated messages in response to questions posed to her by Clerides about matters and persons that concerned him. She would search for information on the internet and then present fabricated messages to him as genuine, without ever revealing their falsity to him.
Lawyers and others involved are calling on Police not to leave gaps: to provide answers about the motives, about where "Sandi" found the names of persons unknown to the general public, and whether there were instigators or accomplices. The Police Chief responded negatively to the question of whether other persons helped the 45-year-old, whilst assistant chief of crime prevention Marios Agiotes stated that the names were located "through internet research".
Papadakis: legal action against Drousiotes
Former MEP Dimitris Papadakis, whose name was included in the allegations made by Makarios Drousiotes, stated yesterday that "what he said from the outset has been confirmed". He announced that he is taking legal action against Drousiotes "for posting false, fabricated news with malice".
Speaking to Sigma, Papadakis suggested that perhaps someone else was behind the creation of the messages: "How did my name appear in a conversation that made no sense anywhere?" He added that answers can only be provided by four people: "Sandi", Makarios Drousiotes, Nicos Clerides and Stelios Orphanides, "who has disappeared abroad". "Who ultimately fabricated them? Or did 'Sandi' take the blame on behalf of someone else?" Papadakis asked.
Supreme Court: reserving judgment on Clerides's application
The Supreme Court yesterday reserved its judgment on Nicos Clerides's application for the issue of a privileged certiorari warrant, aimed at quashing the search warrant at his premises. The lawyer for the Republic informed the Court that the Attorney General does not intend to file an objection to the application. He also stated that one of the interrogators confirmed that from the start of the investigations, instructions had been given to prevent access to private communication data that might have been contained in the items seized during the search.
Source: Philenews