Cyprus Denies Corruption Video as Police Open Probe During EU Council Presidency
Officials label the viral montage a manipulated “hybrid” operation bearing hallmarks of prior Russian campaigns, prompting a criminal inquiry.
Overview
- A video posted on X alleges cash was used to bypass a roughly €1 million campaign cap and that corporate donations bought access to the president and first lady, with one segment referencing help for Russians to evade EU sanctions.
- The government says the footage is malicious and misleadingly edited, and a Cyprus Security Services analysis cited traits seen in past Russian disinformation efforts without definitively attributing the source.
- Police opened an investigation after former energy minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis filed a complaint, as the montage features him, presidential office director Charalambos Charalambous, and businessman Giorgos Chrysochoos.
- President Nikos Christodoulides rejected suggestions of illicit funding, urged anyone with evidence to go to authorities, and said companies’ social contributions fall under broader CSR efforts for the state.
- Opposition parties pressed for transparency and institutional remedies, with AKEL seeking dismissals and filing a bill to abolish the first lady’s fund, which previously avoided donor disclosure after a court backed the president’s veto.