A video posted on the social media platform X on Tuesday has raised serious questions about the financing of the 2023 presidential election campaign of President Nikos Christodoulides, as well as about informal channels of access to the Presidential Palace by individuals presented as prospective investors.
The video was published as a “leak” by an account under the name Emily Thompson and includes excerpts of conversations involving the Director of the President’s Office Charalambos Charalambous, former energy minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis, and Cyfield CEO Giorgos Chrysochos.
Can't even describe what I just received!
— Emily Thompson (@EmilyTanalyst) January 8, 2026
🚨 BREAKING BOMBSHELL VIDEO EXPOSES CYPRUS PRESIDENT'S SHADOW CASH MACHINE!
President Nikos Christodoulides allegedly SMASHED the €1M campaıgn fınance cap vıa a sneaky family network!
Brother-in-law Charalambos Charalambous (Director of… pic.twitter.com/B9YDR1Y3T3
According to the content of the footage, the discussions appear to have been recorded using a hidden camera during several meetings between the individuals featured and the creators of the video. Initial information suggests that those behind the recordings presented themselves as foreign investors expressing interest in business activity in Cyprus.
Campaign financing references
A substantial part of the conversations centres on the funding of election campaigns and the maximum limits permitted under Cypriot law. In one excerpt, Mr Lakkotrypis is heard referring to an upper funding limit of approximately one million euros, adding that, in order for this to be exceeded, “sometimes they have to rely on cash”.
Investor access to the Presidential Palace
In another segment, Mr Charalambous appears to describe, in general terms, how access by investors to the Presidential Palace is facilitated, using language that suggests informal modes of communication. “We are the main points of contact here at the Presidential Palace,” he is heard saying, adding that interested parties may approach the President by declaring both intent to undertake activity and the availability of funds, which could be presented as contributions under the framework of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
CEO proximity claims
In excerpts involving the Cyfield CEO, Mr Chrysochos is heard referring to what he describes as a close personal relationship with the President of the Republic. “If I call him now, he will answer,” he says in one instance, while elsewhere stating: “He’s like my girlfriend.” He further claims that he speaks to the President freely, sees him roughly every two weeks, and avoids public appearances with him in order not to create the impression that this is “why he helps him”.
Responses and denials
Both Mr Lakkotrypis and Mr Chrysochos confirmed to Politis that they had indeed engaged in dialogue with individuals who presented themselves as Dutch investors. However, they maintain that the video constitutes a product of editing and manipulation.
Mr Lakkotrypis has filed a complaint with the police and is expected to issue a public statement on the matter.
Political reaction
Reacting to the circulation of the video, House Speaker and DISY leader Annita Demetriou stated: “For some time now, a video has been circulating that implicates individuals and the government in illegal practices. I hope it does not reflect reality.” She added that she expects the competent authorities “to do what is self-evident”.
Εδώ και αρκετή ώρα αναπαράγεται βίντεο που εμπλέκει πρόσωπα και κυβέρνηση σε παράνομες πρακτικές. Εύχομαι να μην ανταποκρίνεται στην πραγματικότητα. Αναμένω απο τις αρμόδιες αρχές να πράξουν το αυτονόητο.
— Annita Demetriou (@AnnitaDemetriou) January 8, 2026
The footage continues to circulate online, with reactions mounting as authorities assess the material and its potential implications.
Politis to the Point reports the above strictly on the basis of publicly available material and verified statements made to the publication. The outlet does not adopt, endorse, or prejudge the content of the video or the claims presented therein. Any references to alleged actions, statements, or practices are reported as they appear in the leaked material and subsequent reactions, pending assessment by the competent authorities.