Police investigations into the video that became public on 8 January, commonly referred to as Videogate, are continuing. According to the Cyprus Police spokesperson, all individuals appearing in the footage provided statements from the early stages of the investigation, which is being conducted by an independent criminal investigator.
Ongoing police investigation
The Cyprus Police investigation into the video published on 8 January remains ongoing. In the footage, former Minister of Energy Giorgos Lakkotrypis, former Director of the Office of the President of the Republic Charalambos Charalambous, and businessman Giorgos Chrysochos appear to be in conversation with individuals presented as investors.
Police statements to the Cyprus News Agency
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Cyprus Police Press Officer Vyronas Vyronos stated that “the investigations are continuing”. He also confirmed that statements were taken from the individuals who appear in the video from the first days of the investigation.
Appointment of independent criminal investigator
The Attorney General of the Republic, Giorgos Savvidis, appointed an independent criminal investigator to examine the case. At the time of the appointment, the Attorney General specified that the investigation should be completed as soon as possible and, in any event, within three months.
Scope of the investigation
The independent criminal investigator appointed to the case is Andreas Paschalidis, former Judge of the Supreme Court and President of the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police. According to the terms of reference set by the Attorney General, the investigation is to cover any matter related to the video, including its content, authenticity, origin, the circumstances and motives behind its production and publication, as well as any other issue that may arise during the investigation.
Source: Cyprus News Agency (CNA)