Electronic devices and files including messages, audio recordings and photographs, have been sent to a certified laboratory in the United Kingdom for verification of their authenticity and other parameters related to the high‑profile 'Sandy' case.
All files were sent to the specialised laboratory following a procedure initiated by Makarios Drousiotis. According to sources close to Drousiotis, this move is seen as a “response” to the dispatch of the messages to Europol, ensuring a second expert opinion on the same material to determine whether the findings of the two reports will coincide. It is noted that from the outset, Drousiotis’ circle had questioned the decision to involve Europol’s laboratory, arguing that a specific police officer working there has filed a civil lawsuit against him in a separate case.
According to information, the mobile phone of lawyer Nikos Clerides has also been sent to the same laboratory. The device was sent with his consent. It is a mobile phone that had been seized by police during searches of his home, vehicles and office, and was returned to him a few days ago.
The phone was sent to the laboratory in England for examination, with a request to determine whether any interference had occurred, as the police maintain that although the device was in their possession, it was neither opened nor examined.
The results from the laboratory in England, both for the material provided by Makarios Drousiotis and for Nikos Clerides’ mobile phone, are expected within the coming week.
At the same time, the report from Europol’s forensic laboratory regarding the files and devices submitted there is also awaited. Once received, Europol’s findings will be incorporated into the case file, which will be assessed by the Legal Service to determine the next steps in the 'Sandy' case.
However, the police investigation itself has been completed, and there has been increasing speculation since yesterday that an official update on its outcome will be issued in the coming days.
Decision on certiorari
Meanwhile, regarding the process to annul the search warrant executed at the home, vehicles and office of lawyer Nicos Clerides, the Legal Service has been informed and is expected to clarify whether it will object.
Clerides’ legal team is awaiting this development in order for the case to proceed to a substantive hearing, with the Supreme Court to decide whether the search warrant issued by the Nicosia District Court should be annulled. It is recalled that the Supreme Court granted Clerides permission to file an application for the issuance of a prerogative writ of certiorari, finding his request prima facie justified.
Guidance from the Legal Service
Attorney General Giorgos Savvides commented yesterday on the progress of the investigation into the 'Sandy' case. Asked whether there were any new developments, Mr Savvides was cautious, noting that several meetings had taken place between the police and legal officers from the Criminal Law Division of the Legal Service, who provide guidance to investigators at regular intervals.
“I do not wish to say much about this matter,” the Attorney General said. “The only thing I can say is that this is an ex officio police investigation carried out by the police. As is the case in all instances where the police deem guidance from the Legal Service necessary, they request it. This has happened here as well, and I am aware that there have been several meetings with my colleagues in the Legal Service, particularly from the criminal division, who meet, discuss and periodically guide the further investigation conducted by the police.”
