Six months after the appointment of Andreas Paschalides as independent criminal investigator in the Videogate case, the long-awaited report is expected to be delivered.
The report is being closely watched for indications of whether any criminal offences may have been committed by individuals featured in the controversial video that triggered a political scandal earlier this year.
The investigation began in January following the publication of the video by the X account "Emily Thomson." The probe focused, among other issues, on possible offences under Cyprus' lobbying legislation and the Transparency in Public Decision-Making Procedures Law.
The video primarily featured former presidential office director Charalambos Charalambous, former energy minister George Lakkotrypis and businessman George Chrysochoos.
Following the video's publication and the public outcry it generated, Charalambous resigned from his position as director of the President's office. The scandal also led to the resignation of First Lady Philippa Karsera from the Social Welfare Support Agency fund.
The criminal investigation carried out by Paschalides and police investigators assigned to the case is expected to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to recommend criminal prosecutions.
Today, 20 July, marks the expiry of the final extension granted to Paschalides to complete the investigation. According to information obtained by Politis, the inquiry has been concluded and no further extension is expected.
The report will now be submitted to the attorney-general, who will examine its findings and determine the next steps, provided potential criminal offences are identified.
Throughout the investigation, neither Paschalides nor the investigative team allowed information to leak regarding the direction or conclusions of the probe.
One indication, however, is that significant attention was given to possible breaches of Cyprus' lobbying legislation, provisions that largely apply to serving and former public officials.
The video purported to show foreign investors meeting with Cypriot officials and influential figures. Among those featured were Charalambous, Lakkotrypis and Cyfield CEO George Chrysochoos.
The Black Cube connection
As part of the investigation, authorities also examined the authenticity of the video, particularly following claims by the President and the government that Cyprus had been targeted by a hybrid attack.
Although the video released online lasted just eight minutes, it later emerged that it had been produced from recordings gathered by the Israeli private intelligence company Black Cube.
The company is reported to have secretly recorded more than 30 hours of conversations during an undercover operation.
As Politis revealed in April, Black Cube, which maintains offices in Tel Aviv, London, Madrid and Singapore, was allegedly behind the creation of the footage.
According to the report, following a request from the investigative team, the company agreed to provide the original recordings, giving investigators access to complete conversations between the purported investors and prominent figures from Cyprus' political and business circles.
While Black Cube did not disclose on whose behalf the recordings were made, it reportedly stated that it had acted for a private company rather than a state actor, a position that differs from earlier government claims that the affair formed part of a hybrid operation against the Republic.
Appointment and extensions
The video was uploaded to X by the account "Emily Thomson" on 8 January 2026.
Five days later, on 13 January, the attorney-general appointed Paschalides as independent criminal investigator and instructed him to complete the inquiry within three months.
On 6 April, following a request from Paschalides, the deadline was extended by two months.
A second extension was granted on 15 June, setting 20 July as the final deadline for completion of the investigation.
