Cyprus enters the new year with two politically sensitive decisions approaching fast. In January 2026, the Legal Service is expected to determine whether a criminal investigation will be opened against former EDEK president and sitting MP Marinos Sizopoulos, following the Anti-Corruption Authority’s recommendation. One month later, in February 2026, the Authority will receive the final two chapters of the “Mafia State” report, in which former President Nicos Anastasiades is under scrutiny for corruption and abuse of power.
Final stretch of the “Mafia State” investigation
The two remaining chapters of the report are being prepared by the four inspectors appointed to the investigation: Gabrielle McIntyre, Charilaos Chrysanthou, Orestis Nikitas and Andreas Efthymiou. Their delivery in early February will mark exactly two years since the start of the inquiry on 20 February 2024.
Transparency Commissioner and head of the Anti-Corruption Authority, Charis Poyadjis, said on Politis Radio that delays were caused by health issues affecting two inspectors. According to information obtained by Politis, the final chapters are considered the most critical. Once submitted, the Authority will assess the findings and issue a detailed announcement on whether potential criminal offences arise in relation to Mr Anastasiades.
The full report will consist of five chapters. Due to the volume of evidence, the Authority and inspectors agreed to deliver the work in parts. Three chapters have already been submitted. The investigation examines allegations of corruption made in Makarios Drousiotis’s book “Mafia State.”
To date, 129 witnesses have been interviewed in Cyprus and abroad, including President Nikos Christodoulides. More than 550 pieces of evidence have been collected, amounting to tens of thousands of pages. The inspectors will also submit their final bill alongside the last chapters, with costs expected to exceed one million euros.
The “Land of Dreams” case
Poyadjis also revealed that before the end of the year the Authority will publish its decision on the large-scale “Land of Dreams” development in Trimiklini. The case involves former ministers, two ministries, a deputy ministry and 16 public services.
A December 2023 audit report found the project had been operating since 2012 without the required permits. Inspectors identified serious violations, including illegal fish farming operations, unlawful interventions on state land, alterations to the Kouris River and diversion of water to the complex’s facilities. They also found an unlicensed restaurant and recreational and accommodation units.
The controversy reached Parliament and triggered an ex officio investigation by the Authority, which sought to determine whether the long-standing illegalities and official omissions raise suspicions of corruption. Former district court president Nikos Yiapanas has been leading the inquiry for the Authority.
The Sizopoulos immunity question
On 12 September 2025, the Anti-Corruption Authority forwarded to Attorney-General George Savvidis its findings on Marinos Sizopoulos, recommending potential investigation for fraud, forgery, circulating forged documents and conspiracy to defraud.
The Legal Service is now evaluating the material and is expected to decide in January whether a criminal probe should proceed. If investigators require Sizopoulos to give a formal statement, his parliamentary immunity would need to be lifted unless he voluntarily waives it. The MP has publicly maintained his innocence, claiming he is the target of a political plot.
Should a criminal investigation be authorised, the Attorney-General would have to petition the Supreme Court to remove his immunity so that questioning can take place.
As 2026 begins, Cyprus’s anti-corruption framework faces its most consequential tests to date, with decisions involving a former president, a party leader and high-profile development projects all converging within weeks.