A full and multi layered investigation of the controversial video, the publication of which has shaken the political landscape in Cyprus, is considered the only viable path for the Legal Service.
The Attorney General reaffirmed Wednesday that the inquiry into the disputed video will proceed in every direction and be completed as soon as possible. He stressed that this is a case with complex characteristics and a potentially international dimension.
He explained that the Legal Service, in coordination with the Police, activated investigative procedures from the very beginning. These procedures extend beyond the video’s content and include its authenticity, origin, production conditions, publication process and any motives that may lie behind it. Within this framework, the appointment of an independent criminal investigator was deemed necessary to strengthen both the effectiveness and credibility of the investigation.
A meeting was held Wednesday at the Legal Service with the participation of the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, the Chief of Police and the independent criminal investigator Andreas Paschalidis, during which further actions were agreed.
Examination of every element
According to the Attorney General, the mandate given to Andreas Paschalidis as independent criminal investigator is particularly broad and covers every element that may be connected to the case. This includes the possibility of an organised or hybrid operation, which gives the matter characteristics that go beyond a simple criminal inquiry. According to information reported by the newspaper, Paschalidis has already begun studying all material collected by the Police, including statements from Lakkotrypis, Charalambous and Chrysochou. Based on this material, he will set out the guidelines for the next steps of the investigative authorities.
The lawyer
In the public sphere, questions have been raised about individuals and entities allegedly linked to the case. Among them is the man presenting himself as Florin Georghiou and investor, as well as the circumstances under which business contact appears to have been attempted with figures close to the presidential environment. The alleged investor approached Dutch lawyer and business consultant Markus Baumgartner, asking him to mediate contact with Giorgos Lakkotrypis to explore potential investments in Cyprus. According to investigative information, the former minister provided details about meetings in London and Amsterdam and confirmed that he received three payments totalling five thousand euros for his services.
The so called investor
A central figure in the first stage of the investigation is Florin Georghiou, with information suggesting that he acted under the instructions of a foreign state while posing as an investor. These elements have been at the forefront of the inquiry from the moment the former minister was questioned and raise hopes that the authorities will be able to fully map out the events and connections under examination. Although no responsibility or wrongdoing has been attributed at this stage, these details are considered crucial for the overall understanding of the case.
Concern about undermining the investigation
The Attorney General avoided providing details or confirming specific investigative targets, emphasising that daily disclosure of information could undermine the work of the investigators. At the same time, he acknowledged that due to the nature of the case, cooperation with foreign authorities will be required for technical examinations, witness statements and legal assistance.
According to reliable information, beyond the three individuals who have already given statements – Charalambos Charalambous, former director of the President’s Office, former Energy Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis and businessman Giorgos Chrysochou – additional testimonies are expected. These will first be taken in Cyprus, followed by efforts to contact and possibly summon the only currently confirmed individual involved, Dutch lawyer and business consultant Markus Baumgartner. He is believed to have approached Lakkotrypis on behalf of the alleged Florin Georghiou, who is now thought to be a fictitious identity used by the interested “investor”.