The police investigation is currently underway, based on the findings set forth in the Audit Office’s report on the Prison Department, which raises suspicions of collusion between doctors and prison staff to issue sick leave certificates for periods exceeding the 42 days stipulated by law.
As Police Spokesperson Byron Vyronos told CNA, “This is a very serious case that requires the collection of a large volume of testimony, and for this reason, it may take months to complete the investigative process.” Furthermore, according to Mr. Vyronos, the investigative authorities have long since received instructions to investigate possible criminal offenses based on the Audit Office’s report, and the investigations are already underway.
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SEE ALSO: “The guilty will receive the appropriate penalties”: Doctors and prison guards under scrutiny for repeated sick leave
When asked whether, as part of the investigation, the police would request to examine evidence from the digital systems used by the doctors who issued the sick leave certificates, Mr. Vyronos assured that whatever is necessary for the purposes of the investigation will be requested; however, he declined to provide further information so as not to influence the course of the investigation.
If criminal offenses can be substantiated based on the findings of the preliminary investigation, Mr. Vyronos said, the police will proceed as appropriate by referring the case to the Legal Service.
The issue was brought to light by the newspaper “Politis.”
SEE ALSO: Prison guards’ sick leave granted freely, nonexistent protocols, and zero fire safety
