Cyprus anti-corruption watchdog refers former president to prosecutors for alleged ‘abuse of power’

Cyprus anti-corruption watchdog refers former president to prosecutors for alleged ‘abuse of power’

Cyprus’ anti-corruption authority has found “potential acts of corruption” and “abuse of power” by former President Nicos Anastasiades during his 10 years in office, referring possible criminal charges to prosecutors for further scrutiny. The country’s Independent Anti-Corruption Authority alleges Anastasiades may have improperly tried to influence investigations into suspected payments to political parties and politicians, intervened in a Russi…

Disy renews calls for Mafia State investigation, Akel calls for ‘purge’

Disy on Tuesday reacted to former party leader and president Nicos Anastasiades’ hour-long oral defence against allegations of abuse of power levelled against him by the anti-corruption authority by renewing its call for a “full investigation” into the matter, while Akel called for a “purge” of Cyprus’ political elite. “From the very beginning, Disy expressed its unwavering position in favour of a full investigation of the possible offences deta…

Cyprus’ corruption reckoning must go beyond one former president

For decades, Cyprus has occupied a unique position at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Eurasia. Its strategic location, business-friendly regulations, and sophisticated financial services sector helped transform the island into an important international financial center. Yet these same strengths have repeatedly exposed Cyprus to allegations that powerful political and business interests operate with insufficient transparency and a…

Anastasiades demands criminal investigator, waives immunity after Mafia State press conference

Former President Nikos Anastasiades demanded the immediate appointment of a criminal investigator on Tuesday and waived any claim to immunity, as he concluded a 90-minute press conference responding to Anti-Corruption Authority findings that he face scrutiny on seven counts. Anastasiades said he did not consider immunity to be an issue in his case, but made clear that if it were, he renounced it. He called for the appointment of a criminal inves…