List of potential criminal investigators who will be called upon to investigate the Anti-Corruption Authority’s findings regarding the “Mafia State,” is being compiled by the Presidential Office, as reported by Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letympiotis from the studio of the Alpha News program.

“A list is being compiled of individuals who possess these characteristics—suitability, relevance, experience, and area of expertise—and there is also the consideration that there must be no conflict with any of the individuals mentioned in the announcement. This is precisely what increases the complexity of this task, because if we take into account the number of individuals mentioned in the announcement, as well as the qualifications of either the previous or the current one.”

Mr. Letympiotis reveals that individuals were identified who met all the criteria except for the conflict of interest.

“So far, individuals who met all the criteria have been identified, either through preliminary discussions, direct contact, or communication with them; and they themselves have stated that they could not participate in this group of independent criminal investigators. Either they could not participate, or there was a conflict of interest that would prevent them from doing so or would undermine the integrity of the process we all want to see.”

When asked how many criminal investigators we are looking for, he replied that what has been established as a fundamental principle is that there will not be just one criminal investigator. 

“It has not been set as an end in itself that this team of independent criminal investigators must consist of two, three, four, or five members. This will also depend on the final list to be drawn up, comprising individuals who, in addition to possessing these qualifications, there is no conflict of interest, and, of course, they themselves are willing to participate.”

Responding to a question about whether even one person who meets the criteria has been identified, he states that we are much closer and that the list is currently being evaluated. 

“You understand—and we understand—that this is a priority issue. It is an issue that concerns society as well and must move forward, but it must proceed in a proper manner that ensures the integrity of this process.”

He notes that the participation of individuals from outside Cyprus is not ruled out.

“There are individuals from outside Cyprus on this list that has been compiled for evaluation, taking into account the aspect we have mentioned, that the issue of conflict of interest is a factor that affects quite a few people in Cyprus who meet these criteria. So yes, this preliminary assessment also includes individuals from outside Cyprus.”

When asked when the criminal investigators will be appointed, he clarifies that the decision must be approved by the Council of Ministers, which meets every week, noting that the goal is to appoint them as soon as possible, though he points out that these individuals must first be identified.

When asked whether the same obstacle applies to Nicos Christodoulides, given his relationship with Nicos Anastasiades, Mr. Letympiotis replied that it is not the President of the Republic who makes the selection, since he does not have a vote in the Council of Ministers, adding:

“At this moment, President Christodoulides is the President of the Republic of Cyprus. He is the guardian of the Cypriot Constitution; this stems from the terms of the mandate given to him by the Cypriot people. And his top priority—as he has demonstrated on other occasions—is to safeguard, both in substance and in procedure, the provisions of the Constitution as well as the integrity of the process. And it is with this perspective, with this commitment, that he will continue. I have the sense that the same issues are not arising.”

Regarding the terms of reference for criminal investigators, Mr. Letympiotis states that, if necessary, the Council of Prosecutors will assist, noting that these matters are being reviewed by the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.

He points out that the appointment of a prosecutor does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Council of Ministers.