Police have launched an investigation into serious allegations made by journalist, author and researcher Makarios Drousiotis in a lengthy article published on his personal website and social media accounts. The authorities have contacted Drousiotis and requested that he submit evidence supporting the claims contained in his publication.
The article, which runs to around 4,000 words, has prompted strong reactions from individuals named in it, many of whom have rejected the allegations and indicated they may pursue legal action. Drousiotis has stated publicly that he possesses documentation supporting his claims.
Police investigation underway
Following the publication, the Cyprus Police confirmed that, on instructions from the Chief of Police, a senior police officer contacted Drousiotis to request the submission of evidence for investigative purposes.
According to the police announcement, Drousiotis requested time to consult with his lawyer before providing any material. Authorities stated that the investigation cannot proceed without supporting evidence for the claims made.
The Legal Service is also monitoring developments. A competent source indicated that officials will first assess the progress of the police inquiry before deciding whether to appoint an independent criminal investigator to examine the allegations.
Police later issued a second statement noting that Drousiotis has expressed his intention to provide relevant evidence once he receives legal advice, citing the absence of his lawyer. The statement added that authorities expect him to honour this commitment without further delay.
Allegations outlined in the article
In his article, Drousiotis refers to multiple cases that have previously attracted public attention. Among them are allegations relating to the sexual harassment of a minor, two suicide cases, the so-called “black surveillance van” affair, alleged surveillance devices within the Legal Service, and claims concerning the appointment of senior officials within the Legal Service.
Central to the article is Drousiotis’ claim of the existence of a nationwide financial crime network which he refers to as the “Rosicrucian Brotherhood”.
The article opens with the story of a girl identified under the pseudonym “Santi”. Drousiotis stated in comments to Politis radio that the name is fictional and was used to protect her identity due to alleged threats against both the girl and himself.
According to his claims, the girl was allegedly sexually harassed at the age of 13 by former Supreme Court judge Michalakis Christodoulou. Drousiotis further alleges that she later became pregnant at the age of 16 and that she was a witness to serious corruption cases. He says the claims are based on messages he obtained and on statements made to him by the girl during a meeting.
The article also includes references to the surveillance van case, alleging communication between then MEP Dimitris Papadakis and Christodoulou. Drousiotis further claims that former President Nicos Anastasiades had a personal relationship with Dilian, the head of the company operating the surveillance vehicle.
Additional claims refer to alleged exchanges of messages between Christodoulou and MP Nikos Tornaritis concerning the suspension of criminal proceedings against Dilian. The article also claims that Tornaritis and Savvas Angelides, the Deputy Attorney General, played a leading role in promoting the surveillance legislation in parliament.
Drousiotis further alleges that listening devices were installed within the Legal Service and claims that a person he identifies by name acted as an informant.
The article also refers to the Focus case and claims that efforts were made to secure the appointments of George Savvides and Savvas Angelides to the Legal Service.
Among other claims, the article refers to alleged financial transfers intended to secure the silence of the girl mentioned in the article, as well as alleged transfers to former Supreme Court president Myron Nicolatos and to Christodoulou.
Anastasiades rejects claims
Former President Nicos Anastasiades responded with a written statement saying he will await the outcome of the police investigation into Drousiotis’ publication.
He referred to his book O Sykofantis (“The Slanderer”), stating that it documents what he describes as false narratives presented by Drousiotis. Anastasiades added that he refuses to engage further with what he described as “a serial liar and slanderer”, and will instead await the results of the police investigation.
Nicolatos calls allegations fiction
Former Supreme Court president Myron Nicolatos rejected the claims made about him, describing them as fiction.
Speaking to Politis, Nicolatos said that the allegation of a €500,000 payment and the involvement of a company were entirely fabricated and contained no element of truth. He called on the competent authorities to investigate all references made in the article.
Papadakis rejects claims and calls for forensic checks
Dimitris Papadakis, a parliamentary candidate in Nicosia with the ALMA party, also rejected the claims concerning him as false.
In a statement, he said he does not know former Supreme Court judge Michalakis Christodoulou and has never had any personal or professional contact with him. Papadakis stated he is willing to consent to the lifting of his telecommunications data and to a forensic examination of his mobile phone by cybercrime investigators.
He also called on Drousiotis to withdraw the allegations and to submit any evidence to the police.
Tornaritis calls for full investigation
Nikos Tornaritis said he has instructed his lawyers to examine the publication and to take all necessary legal steps.
He also called on the competent state authorities to fully investigate the claims made.
Solomonides files police complaint
Morfakis Solomonides also rejected the allegations, stating that Drousiotis is known for what he described as fabricated stories, the dissemination of false information and defamatory claims.
He said the latest publication goes even further, adding that the allegations concerning him are so extreme that they are not credible. Solomonides has filed a complaint with the police.