A 17-month investigation into former President Nicos Anastasiades—sparked by Makarios Drousiotis’ book 'Mafia State' —is nearing completion, with the Anti-Corruption Authority preparing its final report.
With over 200 hearings and evidence spanning tens of thousands of pages, the case comes with a bill exceeding €1 million, sources have revealed to Politis.
The investigation into Anastasiades began on 20 February 2024 and was completed in July of this year, lasting 17 months. The final report has been under compilation since then.
Due to the extensive volume of testimonial material, it was agreed between the Authority and the investigators that the report would be delivered in stages. Each section reflects the structure of the book, with testimonies and findings organised by chapter. This approach allows the Authority to systematically review each part.
To date, three out of five chapters have been submitted. Once the full report has been delivered and reviewed—a process expected to conclude by mid-autumn—the Authority will issue a detailed announcement on its final determination: whether or not Anastasiades is implicated in acts of corruption that warrant criminal investigation.
Public disclosure of costs
The process of estimating the total amount is ongoing by the Anti-Corruption Authority and according to Politis sources it is expected to be in excess of €1 million.
The salary of overseeing officials is set up according to know-how, expertise and specialisation, as well as level of difficulty in the specific aspect of the investigation. Foreign experts get paid more, including accommodation plus per diem.
The Anti-Corruption Authority employed several retired judges who got paid €500 daily, all payments invoiced. Foreign experts received €750 daily, also invoiced.
In another case, the total cost of an investigation against former Deputy Attorney General Savvas Angelides amounted to more than €80,000.
Leading the inquiry is Gabrielle McIntyre, an Australian specialist in international criminal law and procedure. Three Cypriot lawyers were also appointed to support the investigation: Charilaos Chrysanthou, , Orestis Nikitas, and Andreas Efthimiou, who served in the Cooperative and Golden Passports investigation.