The investigation into the video that triggered strong political reactions has entered a new phase, after former Minister of Energy Giorgos Lakkotrypis appeared before police late yesterday afternoon and gave a formal statement, it emerged on Saturday.
Police Cyprus spokesperson Vyron Vyronos told the Cyprus News Agency, Mr Lakkotrypis attended police headquarters at around 5pm on Friday, provided a statement and submitted material in his possession, which is currently being assessed by investigating authorities.
“His statement is being evaluated so that we can determine how to proceed,” Vyronos said, noting that scientific reports from the relevant police departments are also pending, including the Cybercrime Sub-Directorate and the Criminal Investigation Department.
Information limited
Regarding the possibility of taking statements from other individuals who appear in the video, the police spokesperson said there is currently no update.
“We will need to take statements from others as well, but at this stage there is nothing specific - neither that they will be summoned nor anything else,” he said.
Referring to guidance from the Law Office, Vyronos confirmed that there is ongoing communication between the Deputy Attorney General and the Chief of Police, aimed at assessing the data and providing legal direction to the investigation.
However, he clarified that he has no information as to whether this guidance alters or redefines the scope of the investigation, or whether it relates to specific potential criminal offences or procedural matters, such as the handling of audiovisual material.
Investigation into X account
He stressed that the scope of the investigation is not vague. “The investigation covers the entire spectrum of the video that was made public,” he said.
With regard to the account that uploaded the video on the platform X, Mr Vyronos said investigations are continuing into both its origin and anything connected to the material, with no change so far from the information available yesterday.
It is recalled that the Law Office issued specific instructions to the competent authorities yesterday.
The video, which was uploaded on X, allegedly records conversations between former Energy Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis, the Director of the Office of the President of the Republic, Charalambos Charalambous, and Cyfield Group chief executive Giorgos Chrysokhou, with an individual presented as an investor from the Netherlands.
Political reactions
The content of the material has sparked strong political reactions, as it includes references to funding for pre-election purposes as well as contributions to the First Lady’s support fund.
At the same time, the government has categorically rejected the video’s content, disputing its authenticity and describing it as an attempt to manipulate public opinion and a hybrid threat.
President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides yesterday publicly called on anyone with evidence of direct or indirect bribery involving him — either during the pre-election campaign or during his term as President — to submit it immediately to the competent state authorities.
CNA