The central figure in the high-profile “Santy” case has been called in for questioning for the fourth time, in order to respond to specific issues that emerged during the police investigation. The questioning took place one day after the first meeting between the Cyprus Police investigative team and a delegation from the FBI.
One day after the initial meeting between investigators from Police Headquarters and the FBI team, “Santy”, who is believed to have a central role in the case related to allegations made by Makarios Drousiotis, was again summoned to give a statement.
An element considered significant in the progress of the investigation is that this is the fourth time “Santy” has been called to provide testimony. This indicates that the investigative team is attempting to piece together the elements of the case, taking into account the statements already given by other individuals who have been questioned by the police.
The investigation has advanced considerably, but there remain important aspects that investigators wish to examine further so that the final outcome cannot be contested. Investigators requested additional information from “Santy”, mainly regarding specific claims concerning either herself or other individuals mentioned in messages or audio recordings.
FBI role remains advisory
The FBI delegation has been working on the case since last Wednesday in cooperation with investigators from Police Headquarters.
In response to criticism regarding the FBI’s involvement, it was clarified that the team will not participate in interrogations or in the process of taking statements. Their role is not investigative but advisory and supportive to the work of the police. They have been invited to evaluate and interpret actions attributed to individuals who are alleged to be involved in the case.
While the investigation continues, the police are also awaiting the results from Europol’s forensic laboratory, which are expected to clarify another key aspect of the case. The report, which may be delivered next week, is expected to determine whether certain messages are genuine or were fabricated using a specific application.
The conclusions of the forensic examination are expected to produce additional evidence that will be incorporated into the investigation of the complex case.
No timeline for completion
Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris stated yesterday that no specific timeline has been set for the completion of the investigation related to the “Santy” case.
Regarding the FBI experts assisting in the investigation, he said that the team is currently in Cyprus supporting the work of the police, with the aim of concluding the investigation as soon as possible and restoring calm, while ensuring that the final report addresses the full range of allegations made.
When asked whether the experts had requested anything specific, the minister said he could not comment on the investigation and emphasised that it was not within his competence to become involved in its conduct. He added that the ministry is awaiting the police report, which will be examined together with the Legal Service before the procedures provided by law are followed.
He also said that the Chief of Police is expected to brief him on the matter in the coming days, reiterating that the government’s priority is for laws and regulations to be respected, for the process to be completed as soon as possible and for institutional procedures to be followed.
Awaiting decision on certiorari request
No development has yet emerged from the Supreme Court regarding the request filed by the legal team representing lawyer Nikos Clerides to annul the search warrant executed at his home and office.
If the warrant were to be annulled, any evidence obtained during the search or extracted from electronic devices seized during the operation would not be admissible as evidence, as it would be considered unlawfully obtained.
The court has heard the arguments presented by Clerides’s legal team and will decide whether to grant permission for the procedure to proceed to the next stage.