The long-running Videogate investigation appears to be entering its final phase, with the deadline for the submission of the independent criminal investigator's report set to expire on 20 July.
The deadline follows two consecutive extensions granted to criminal investigator Andreas Paschalides to complete his findings.
Although neither Paschalides nor the seven-member police team assisting in the investigation has disclosed any details, indications suggest that the report will be delivered by the new deadline.
According to information available, the most recent extension was sought primarily to allow for the drafting of the final report based on the evidence gathered during the criminal investigation.
Sources indicate that particular emphasis was placed on examining possible offences linked to lobbying activities under Cyprus' Transparency in Public Decision-Making Procedures Law, which regulates lobbying practices and transparency requirements.
Report to be submitted to Attorney General
Once completed, the report will be submitted to the Attorney General, who appointed Paschalides under the powers granted by Article 4(2) of the Criminal Procedure Law (Cap. 155).
Under the terms of reference, the independent investigator was tasked with conducting inquiries in cooperation with the Police to determine whether any criminal offences were committed by any individual in connection with a video uploaded to the social media platform X by an account identified as "Emily Thompson" on 8 January 2026.
According to the mandate announced by the Law Office, the investigation covers all matters related to the video, including:
- Its content
- Its authenticity
- Its origin
- The circumstances under which it was produced and published
- The motives behind its creation and dissemination
- Any other issues arising from the investigation
Key figures in the case
The widely discussed video primarily concerned:
- Charalambos Charalambous, former Director of the Office of the President
- George Lakkotrypis, former Energy Minister
- George Chrysochoos, businessman
Following the controversy generated by the video's publication, Charalambous resigned from his position as Director of the President's Office.
It is also noted that when the latest extension was granted by the Attorney General, the investigator stated that additional time was required to complete the collection and assessment of witness evidence of significant relevance to the case, which had only recently come into the possession of investigators.
Black Cube and the full recordings
As Politis revealed in April, the company behind the creation of the video is reportedly Black Cube, which maintains offices in Tel Aviv, London, Madrid and Singapore.
According to the report, the investigative team led by Paschalides submitted a request to Black Cube, after which the company agreed to provide the original raw material from its covert recordings.
The material reportedly includes the full recorded conversations between undercover individuals posing as investors and prominent figures from Cyprus' business and political circles.
While Black Cube has not revealed on whose behalf the recordings were made, the company reportedly stated that it was acting for a private company rather than a state entity.
That claim contradicts assertions previously made by the Presidency that the affair formed part of a hybrid warfare operation.
Timeline
8 January 2026
The controversial video was published on X (formerly Twitter) by the account "Emily Thompson."
13 January 2026
The Attorney General appointed Andreas Paschalides as independent criminal investigator, with instructions to complete the investigation within three months.
6 April 2026
Following a request by the investigator, a two-month extension was granted to complete the inquiry.
15 June 2026
The investigator requested and secured a further extension, pushing the deadline to 20 July 2026.
