War between the Legal Service and the Anti-Corruption Authority over the “black van” case. Following yesterday’s back-and-forth between the two, the Independent Authority responded this morning with a new statement in which it essentially dismisses the prosecutor’s office. The point of contention is whether the legal department investigated the potential conflict of interest in the case involving Assistant Attorney General Savvas Angelidis; because if it had indeed investigated this, then the anti-corruption authority would be conducting a parallel investigation into the same matter.
“So, is the Assistant Attorney General innocent of a conflict of interest? The issue wasn’t raised regarding the Deputy Attorney General.” George Savvidis, Attorney General
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Chaotic Statements
The Anti-Corruption Authority denies the allegations, citing the contacts between the Legal Service and the Transparency Commissioner on July 29 and 30.
“When it became clear that the scope of the investigation also included the Deputy Attorney General, he deemed it appropriate to leave the meeting. From that moment on, if not before, the Authority’s intention to include the Assistant Attorney General in the proposed investigation was known. Therefore, when, on the following day, July 30, 2026, the Attorney General sent his letter stating that everything the Authority wished to investigate had already been investigated, he reasonably gave the impression that this also included the matter of the Deputy Attorney General.” Anti-Corruption Authority
The Attorney General takes up the gauntlet by speaking of a fragmentary and selective use of the discussion, clarifying once again that nothing was investigated regarding a potential conflict of interest involving Savvas Angelides. He notes that this is an issue that was raised in 2023, while the investigation—conducted by both law enforcement authorities and independent investigator Ilias Stefanou—was completed in 2021.
“In my letter dated July 30, 2026, there is no mention whatsoever of a possible investigation against the Assistant Attorney General, and I wonder how the Authority interpreted my letter as implying or suggesting that he was under investigation. The terms of reference to which we responded made no mention of him whatsoever.” George Savvidis, AG
As a result of this confusion, the investigation was terminated by the Anti-Corruption Authority, which considered that all aspects of the “black van” case had already been investigated, while a game ofshifting of blame.
“The cabinet should appoint an investigative committee with the specific purpose and terms of reference to examine the political aspects related to this case. The political damage that has been caused is so serious.” Emilios Emilianidis
Dilian on Alpha
Meanwhile, Tal Dillian, the owner of the “Black Van,” feels vindicated by the conclusion of the investigation; he had been convicted in the first instance in Greece on wiretapping charges. He speaks to Alpha and praises the anti-corruption authority.
“I remain convinced that, as proceedings in Greece move forward, the facts and the evidence will be properly investigated and will help restore my reputation and reveal the truth regarding the charges brought against me and other three defendants.” Tal Dillian
Following the revelations about the “black van” surveillance operation in 2019, a criminal investigation was launched.
In 2021, the Attorney General suspended the prosecution, effectively exonerating both him and the other two individuals who were being prosecuted.
See the report by Evangelos Agapios
