Journalist and author Makarios Drousiotis has strongly criticised the findings of the police investigation into the 'Sandy' case, claiming the outcome was predetermined and aligned with information leaked to the press since the start of the inquiry. His reaction comes as law enforcement authorities, backed by the Legal Service, launch a new criminal investigation into the fabrication and dissemination of the evidence.
The Chief of Police, Themistos Arnautis, announced on Wednesday that a two-month investigation, supported by Europol and the FBI, concluded that a 14-page document, messages and audio clips central to the case were entirely fabricated. The initial allegations, published by Drousiotis, involved claims of rape and corruption against high-ranking public officials, none of which were substantiated.
Drousiotis questions findings
In a social media post, Drousiotis expressed deep skepticism over the police conclusion that a single woman manufactured hundreds of messages using a mobile application. He argued that the messages contained specific details that the individual could not have known independently.
— MAKARIOS DROUSIOTIS (@makdrou) June 3, 2026
The author further claimed that the police announcements synchronized with previous public statements made by former President Nicos Anastasiades. Drousiotis criticized the police chief for concluding the investigation before the release of a separate findings report concerning the "Mafia State" allegations, adding that he would reserve full comment until that report is made public.
Potential criminal charges
Following the police announcement, a new criminal probe has been initiated to identify those responsible for creating and spreading the fabricated material. Speaking to Politis 107.6 FM, criminal defense lawyer Andreas Christou noted that while the launch of a criminal investigation does not mean immediate arrests are imminent, Drousiotis appears to be at the center of developments due to his role in presenting and publishing the initial claims.
According to Christou, the authorities are likely to investigate several offences, including providing false information to law enforcement and public mischief. More severely, because the messages were determined to be counterfeit, charges of forgery and the circulation of forged documents could be considered. Under Cypriot law, these offences carry prison sentences of up to three years, provided that an intention to defraud can be proven in court.
Distinction between perpetrators
The criminal investigation is expected to examine both the individuals who physically manufactured the fabricated chat logs and those who facilitated their public dissemination. Christou pointed out that criminal law recognizes both principals and accessories to an offence, noting that an accessory can face the same penalties as the principal perpetrator.
The Legal Service will ultimately hold the authority to determine whether the evidence gathered during this new phase of the investigation warrants formal prosecution in court.
