New details emerging around the controversial eight-minute video posted on platform X suggest a long and carefully constructed chain of contacts between individuals presenting themselves as investors and figures close to the Presidential Palace. According to information obtained by Politis, the approach began almost two years ago and involved repeated meetings abroad, raising further questions over access, due diligence, and the narrative of an alleged “hybrid operation” promoted by the government.
The government is attempting to mount a defence against the political storm triggered by the publication of the eight-minute video on X, which features recorded conversations casting a heavy shadow over alleged “black” political money. The official line argues that the video is part of a “hybrid activity” aimed at producing audiovisual material designed to undermine the credibility of the President of the Republic and Cyprus itself.
Video casts shadows over the Presidential Palace
Presidential Office Director Victor Papadopoulos insisted there was “no lack of transparency nor any dark transaction” involved, responding to claims raised by the footage.
What appears to have taken place, however, was a deliberate operation of deception. The creators of the video allegedly presented themselves as investors representing a family fund, a move that allowed them to reach as far as the office of the Director of the President’s Office. The approach proved effective, as the recorded dialogues have generated a series of troubling questions.
A relationship built over time
Politis has learned that the so-called “investors” first approached former energy minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis nearly two years ago and gradually built a working relationship with him. This included a series of meetings in London and in the Netherlands, where they claimed their company was based. Notably, these professional encounters did not take place in offices but in hotels and restaurants.
Lakkotrypis subsequently entered into a contract to provide services, for which he received remuneration. He has submitted the relevant documents to the police as part of a formal complaint.
Digital traces vanish
Following the publication of the video on X, the “investors” and every trace of their digital presence disappeared. Email accounts and the company website were taken offline, leaving no apparent electronic footprint.
The patience and methodical approach displayed suggest that those behind the operation had access to funding and support sufficient to pursue their objective over a prolonged period.
Not journalism
It is clear that this was not a journalistic investigation. The video makes no reference to any media outlet or reporting team. This is a key distinction from the Al Jazeera investigation into Cyprus’ “golden passports”. In that case, Al Jazeera provided the full, unedited material during court proceedings in Cyprus.
As for the identity of the video’s creators, multiple scenarios are being discussed. The government is actively promoting the theory of a foreign state-backed operation, pointing in particular towards Russia.
Unanswered questions
The scenario of a foreign-led “hybrid operation” inevitably raises its own questions. Chief among them is how alleged agents of a foreign power were able to gain access to individuals and offices at the very heart of the Presidential Palace.