Police have indicated that digital records used by doctors who issued sick-leave certificates may be examined as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into suspected irregularities involving prison staff and medical leave.
The investigation stems from findings in an Audit Office report on the Prison Department, which raised suspicions of possible collusion between doctors and prison employees in the issuance of sick-leave certificates exceeding the 42-day limit set out in legislation.
According to Police spokesperson Vyronas Vyronos, the case is regarded as "very serious" and is expected to require a substantial number of witness statements.
"This is a very serious case, requiring the taking of a large volume of statements and, for that reason, it may take months for the investigation process to be completed," Vyronos told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
He added that investigators had received instructions some time ago to examine potential criminal offences arising from the Audit Office report and that the inquiry is already under way.
Digital evidence may be sought
Asked whether police would seek access to evidence from digital systems used by the doctors who issued the certificates, Vyronos said investigators would request any material deemed necessary for the purposes of the inquiry.
However, he declined to provide further details so as not to affect the course of the investigation.
Case could be referred to Legal Service
Vyronos said that if evidence gathered during the investigation substantiates criminal offences, police will proceed through the appropriate legal channels and submit the case to the Legal Service.
The allegations concern suspicions that doctors and members of prison staff cooperated in securing sick-leave certificates beyond the period permitted by law.
The issue was first brought to public attention by the newspaper Politis.
Source: CNA
