The appointment of independent criminal investigators to lead the criminal investigation arising from the Anti-Corruption Authority's report on the Mafia State case is expected to be decided at today's or the next session of the Council of Ministers. The decision now rests solely with the cabinet, following a series of procedural steps taken by the Prosecutorial Council of the Law Office of the Republic.
Prosecutorial Council forwards full report
On Tuesday, the Prosecutorial Council issued a statement confirming it had received the report from the Anti-Corruption Authority and transmitted it in full to both the Cyprus Police and the Council of Ministers. The Council's decision took into account several key factors:
- The recusal of Attorney General George Savvides and Deputy Attorney General Savvas Angelides from the case, as announced on 17 June 2026, with handling assigned to the Prosecutorial Council
- The Council of Ministers' stated intention to appoint independent criminal investigators under Article 4 of the Criminal Procedure Law, announced on 17 June 2026
- The Anti-Corruption Authority's announcement of 16 June 2026 and the transmittal letter forwarding the report to the Law Office, dated 22 June 2026
- The significant public interest arising from the nature, severity, and scope of the investigation and the individuals involved
- The need to safeguard the uninterrupted functioning of institutions and the administration of justice
Report transmitted without further evaluation
The Prosecutorial Council emphasised that, at this stage and in order to preserve the objectivity of the investigation, both the Anti-Corruption Authority's report and the final report of the inspection officers were transmitted in full, without further assessment by the Law Office. The stated aim is to enable a broad criminal investigation into all potential criminal offences that may arise from the findings.
Former president calls for immediate appointment
Former President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades also publicly called on Tuesday for the immediate appointment of an independent criminal investigator and prosecutor of strong character and established standing, to complete their work within a set timeframe and as swiftly as possible.
Next steps
Once independent criminal investigators are appointed, a period of time will be required for them to study the Anti-Corruption Authority's extensive report — which spans approximately 3,000 pages — before formal investigative proceedings in the criminal inquiry can begin.
Source: Politis
