Marking International Anti-Corruption Day, the Transparency Commissioner and Head of the Anti-Corruption Authority, Haris Pogiatzis, told Politis Radio 107.6 & 97.6 that Cypriot society now perceives corruption as the country’s biggest problem – even more significant than the Cyprus issue. The majority of cases reaching the Authority concern abuse of power, highlighting the importance of an independent oversight mechanism.
580 complaints, 320 investigations, 20 cases forwarded
Referring to the Authority’s trajectory, he noted that it essentially started from scratch. Since the beginning of its operation, 580 complaints have been received and 320 investigated. Of these, only 20 cases were forwarded, as many are insufficiently substantiated or fall outside the Authority’s mandate. Two-thirds of the cases that were forwarded concern state officials.
He further stated that so far 12 investigations have been completed, while seven are still pending. Regarding the most high-profile cases, the Authority Head said that the investigation into allegations contained in the ‘Mafia State’ – a book written by investigative journalist Makarios Droussiotis – is ongoing. A report on allegations concerning the Trimiklini fish farm case is expected before Christmas.
Strict confidentiality
As Pogiatzis emphasised, the law imposes full confidentiality during investigations. For this reason the Authority cannot disclose information or details before the procedures are completed. He concluded that consistency in the investigation of cases and the strengthening of transparency are the only ways to restore citizens’ lost trust in institutions.
Charalambidou: Citizens pay the price of corruption
Meanwhile, AKEL MP and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Special Representative on Fighting Corruption Irene Charalambidou issued a statement noting that, based on World Economic Forum estimates, the global cost of corruption exceeds USD 2.6 trillion – around 5% of global GDP.
She highlighted World Bank reports that state businesses and individuals pay more than USD 1 trillion in bribes each year. These amounts represent resources stolen from the public by corrupt actors, said Charalambidou.
“On International Anti-Corruption Day, we must focus on how directly corruption destroys societies and how deeply it affects people’s lives. Today reminds us that honest citizens are ultimately the ones who pay the price for acts of corruption,” she said.