The arrest of Elena Rybolovleva in Cyprus as part of her long-running legal and financial dispute with Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev is linked to indications of influence peddling and possible involvement of political and state officials, according to the Anti-Corruption Authority’s report.
The Authority records evidence suggesting potential offences of trading in influence in the section of its investigation concerning the arrest of Rybolovleva, which took place amid divorce proceedings and claims over a share of the businessman’s wealth.
According to the announcement, investigators examined allegations of a coordinated operation reportedly organised with the aim of securing Rybolovleva’s arrest in Cyprus, in the context of disputes arising during the divorce process and the division of assets.
Inspectors concluded that there are sufficient indications to justify further investigation into possible acts of corruption, particularly in relation to influence peddling.
The report names Andreas Hadjikyriakos as a person alleged to have provided, or facilitated the provision of, an undue advantage to individuals who had, or were believed to have, influence over decision-making by public officials.
At the same time, Dmitry Rybolovlev is found, according to the Authority’s findings, to have offered or provided an undue advantage with the aim of exerting influence on individuals in a position to affect state decisions linked to the case.
Particular reference is made to former President Nicos Anastasiades. The Authority states that there are sufficient indications that he may have acted as a person who accepted an undue advantage in order to exercise, or suggest that he would exercise, improper influence over the decision-making process of public officials.
The report also records potential criminal liabilities for former Deputy Attorney General Rikkos Erotokritou and senior police officer Ioannis Sotiriades in connection with the case.
