A few hours after the criminal investigator cast doubt on the video’s authenticity and concluded that it was a montage, Black Cube—the company linked to the video’s creation—issued its first response, insisting on the authenticity of the evidence it presented.

“Their authenticity has been confirmed by the Cypriot authorities. Black Cube is awaiting the final assessment by the Legal Service and is confident that the process will bring those responsible to justice and contribute to the creation of a cleaner businessenvironment.”
Black Cube

“This directly contradicts what Mr. Paschalidis says—that it is a fabricated video. He should tell us more clearly what led him to conclude that it is a montage.”
Andreas Christou – Lawyer

“They’ve reviewed all the footage, taken witness statements, and a thorough investigation has been conducted—always with the assistance of the police—on the basis of which it has become clear that this was indeed a malicious montage intended to deliberately lead to erroneous conclusions.”
Konstantinos Letympiotis

This particular company, which secured immunity along with everyone else involved in or participating in the production, audio recording, or video recording of the 26 hours of footage, is presented as a private intelligence firm that provides customized services to clients with business operations worldwide. It supports legal disputes, arbitration proceedings, and financial crime cases.

“Black Cube will continue to uncover cases of fraud and corruption on a global scale, just as it has done for the past 15 years.”
Black Cube

“The Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General have been granted immunity, in the public interest, with respect to these actions and the offenses arising therefrom. Therefore, at this time, the three main figures bear no responsibility; those who created the video bear no responsibility; and the company with foreign interests that helped create the video bears no responsibility either.”
Simos Angelidis – Lawyer

The criminal investigator was granted an extension until December 31 to identify, with the assistance of law enforcement authorities, the client of the company who commissioned the video, as well as the motivesbehind this action. According to the criminal investigator, the aim was to undermine the Republic of Cyprus as it assumes the presidency of the European Union.

“This is what we expect, hope for, want, and desire: to get to the root, to the core of this case as soon as possible so that the motives can now become clear.””
Konstantinos Letympiotis

Reactions following Andreas Paschalides’ announcement continue to mount. AKEL responded today by attacking the presidency.

“AKEL conveys to Mr. Christodoulides and his government that they are mistaken if they believe that the ‘finding’ they have been absolved of the shame of the collusion revealed by the video. AKEL once again demands the full publication of the findings for the sake of transparency and the public interest.”
AKEL

“Certain political forces remain steadfast in their refusal to respect findings, in undermining institutions, and in tarnishing reputations. When these findings—these independent findings—from this thorough investigation do not serve their own narrative.”
Konstantinos Letympiotis

He urged anyone with information to share it with the authorities.

Watch the report by Nasia Ioannou: