Cyprus’ Anti-Corruption Authority is moving ahead with improvements to its complaint submission mechanisms, aiming to enhance transparency, security and public trust through a fully automated and digitalised system.
According to a briefing note sent to parliament ahead of Tuesday’s discussion of its 2026 budget, the Authority plans to implement an integrated platform for the submission, monitoring and management of corruption-related complaints. The upgrade, it said, seeks to modernise the process while ensuring data protection and building citizens’ confidence in the institution.
The Authority also plans to revamp its official website, introducing an interactive Questions and Answers digital tool to provide immediate information to the public on its mandate, procedures, operations and citizens’ rights. The initiative, it said, is part of ongoing efforts to improve transparency and communication with the public.
523 complaints filed so far
In his report to Parliament, the Commissioner for Transparency and head of the Authority, Charis Poyadjis, noted that a total of 523 complaints have been submitted to date. Of these, 267 have been examined and dismissed, while seven investigations have been ordered, either completed or nearing completion, with their findings currently being finalised. A further six investigations remain ongoing.
Findings in two cases have already been published and forwarded to the Attorney General with recommendations for criminal investigation. These involve former EDEK party leader and MP Marinos Sizopoulos, and former Director General of the Nicosia Water Board and current head of the Nicosia Sewerage Board, Konstantinos Parmaklis.
€1 million allocated for investigations
Under its proposed 2026 budget, the Authority has earmarked €1 million for the remuneration of investigating officers and inspectors responsible for handling corruption complaints. These investigations may stem from both named and anonymous submissions, as well as ex officio inquiries launched by the Authority itself.
Software system to oversee lobbyists
The Anti-Corruption Authority also serves as the competent body for monitoring lobbying activities and the officials who meet with registered lobbyists. To date, 242 individuals have been entered into the Lobbyists’ Register maintained by the Authority.
Under existing legislation, lobbyists are required to submit biannual reports detailing their meetings with state or elected officials, including the subject matter of each meeting. Public officials, in turn, must inform the Authority of any planned contact with a lobbyist related to a public decision-making process.
According to Commissioner Poyiadjis, the Authority is now developing a dedicated software system to manage all processes required by the Lobbying Law electronically. This system will allow both lobbyists and public officials to handle their obligations online, ensuring greater accuracy, efficiency and oversight.
The digitalisation of procedures, Poyiadjis said, will significantly reduce bureaucratic delays while strengthening the Authority’s ability to monitor compliance and enforce transparency standards.