The possibility of appointing an independent criminal investigator for the Santis case is now off the table, with the Cabinet withdrawing from any further involvement in the investigative process, while Europol’s findings are expected imminently, possibly even within the next few days. According to sources familiar with the matter, the FBI is in constant cooperation with the police.

According to the same sources, following the latest briefing by the Chief of Police, no further government intervention is required, as the investigation is proceeding normally and the relevant reports from Europol and the FBI are now awaited.

Regarding the possibility of appointing a criminal investigator, it was stated that this option has been definitively ruled out, and it is noted that neither the Minister nor the Cabinet is intervening in the process.  

It is noted that this was preceded by a briefing of the Minister of Justice by the Chief of Police regarding the report by the special task force investigators on the Santis case, a briefing which, according to the same sources, concerned exclusively the procedures followed during the investigation and not the content or findings of the case.

As mentioned, upon completion of the preliminary investigation, the case file will be forwarded to the Legal Service, which will review the evidence and decide on the next steps.

Regarding public disclosure of the matter, the same sources indicate that it will be handled in a manner that does not interfere with any potential legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, Europol’s reports are expected within the next few days, while the FBI’s report is still pending. The reports concern the basic findings of the investigative process, primarily the procedures followed—such as the number of statements, forensic examinations, and other investigative actions—rather than substantive findings or conclusions regarding the case.

Source: CNA