The Independent Anti-Corruption Authority has issued a statement responding to claims that, it says, seek to challenge the validity and impartiality of the procedure followed before the launch of the investigation into the book Mafia State, as well as the findings of the final report.
The Authority said the statement was issued in the interests of transparency, despite restrictions that normally prohibit the disclosure of internal work carried out by the Authority without the approval of the Commissioner for Transparency. It noted that the necessary approval had been granted in this case.
The Authority also rejected suggestions that certain decisions are taken solely by the Commissioner for Transparency.
"Nothing could be further from the truth," it said, adding that all decisions are taken collectively by its five members and are recorded in official minutes.
Selection of Gabrielle McIntyre
Addressing the appointment of Gabrielle McIntyre as head of the investigation, the Authority referred to statements it made on 16 June, noting that it had deliberately sought a distinguished foreign legal professional with no prior connection to Cyprus.
According to the Authority, such an appointment would ensure public confidence in the impartiality of the investigation, given the profile of those involved in the case and the possibility that the objectivity of investigators might otherwise have been questioned.
It said the search for suitable investigators proved difficult, pointing to the challenges recently faced by the Cabinet in identifying criminal investigators to examine the conclusions of the Mafia State report.
To achieve its objective, the Authority said it contacted international and European organisations, as well as individuals in Greece, and received numerous recommendations.
Interviews were conducted by videoconference, telephone and email exchanges.
According to the statement, many candidates were unable to commit to the investigation because of the time required and the scope of the inquiry.
The Authority said approximately 25 candidates were considered before McIntyre was ultimately selected as the most suitable person to lead the investigation.
"It follows that claims suggesting her appointment had been predetermined for ulterior motives are unfounded," the statement said.
Conflict-of-interest allegations
The Authority said all inspection officers are required, following their appointment and interview process, to sign a declaration confirming the absence of any conflict of interest.
It noted that this obligation applies not only at the time of signing but throughout the duration of the investigation.
According to the Authority, McIntyre signed the relevant declaration.
It added that it had examined allegations regarding a purported conflict of interest involving McIntyre and found no basis for such claims.
The Authority further revealed that a journalist from Cyprus had contacted the President of the International Criminal Court, where McIntyre has been employed since 1 May 2025, raising similar concerns.
According to the statement, those allegations were rejected by the ICC President.
Authority's role completed
The Authority concluded by stressing that its role ended with the submission of the final report to the Attorney-General of the Republic, as provided for under the relevant legislation.
It said responsibility for any further action now rests with other institutions of the Republic.
