The probe into the corruption allegations against President Anastasiades raised in the book “Mafia State” by Makarios Drousiotis will start tomorrow.
Drousiotis, an investigative journalist and author, worked as an aide to President Anastasiades between 2013-2014. Since leaving the Presidential Palace, Drousiotis has written three books accusing the country’s political elite of widespread corruption, based on his experiences collaborating with Anastasiades.
“Mafia State” has sparked widespread controversy and led to the formation of a special investigative panel by the Independent Authority against Corruption.
Drousiotis has been summoned to provide testimony at the upcoming session, where he will present his findings and experiences detailed in the book.
Leading the inquiry is the Australian expert, Gabrielle Louise MacIntyre, who took charge of the investigation upon her arrival in Cyprus on March 25. Working alongside MacIntyre are Greek Cypriot investigators Charilaos Chrysanthou, Oreste Niketa, and Andreas Efthymiou.
This team of four has already conducted extensive preliminary work, with MacIntyre having made a prior visit to Cyprus in early March to collaborate closely with her colleagues.
Their investigation is expected to be thorough, with a broad mandate to explore the allegations laid out in the book.
Central to the inquiry is the involvement of former President Nicos Anastasiades, who is implicated in several controversial dealings, including those related to Russian oligarch Dmitry Rybolovlev.
The book sheds light on questionable legislative changes, judiciary decisions, and financial transactions, all allegedly connected to Anastasiades, who has firmly denied any wrongdoing.
One key area of investigation will focus on allegations of surveillance and misconduct within the Cyprus Police, as detailed by Drousiotis.
He claims his personal security was compromised through the use of sophisticated malware, leading to unauthorised spying on his communications—a charge that, if proven, could have significant implications for the integrity of the police force.
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