investigations

Migrant boat arrives in Protaras, fourteenth in eight days

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Migrant boat arrives in Protaras, fourteenth in eight days

A vessel carrying 22 migrants, including 15 men, three women, and four unaccompanied minors, was intercepted off the coast of Capo Greco. The migrants were taken to a reception center in Kokkinotrimithia. A man suspected of being the boat’s navigator was arrested. This is the fifteenth migrant vessel to arrive in Cyprus, bringing the total number of migrants to 808. Radar signals suggest the presence of three more vessels potentially carrying migrants towards the island’s shores.

Law Office advances prosecution in largest ‘golden passports’ fraud case

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Law Office advances prosecution in largest ‘golden passports’ fraud case

The Law Office of the Republic has given the go-ahead to begin prosecutorial actions in the largest citizenship services fraud case, along with three additional cases. One of the cases involves a prominent law firm investigated for its role in 20 specific citizenship applications, with implications in over a hundred cases overall. The judiciary is expected to examine all four cases, potentially leading to formal charges against the firm, individual lawyers, and additional staff members. The police have gathered evidence to identify the culprits involved in the offenses. The investigations into the ‘golden passport’ scandal are ongoing, with Police Chief Stelios Papatheodorou hinting at imminent advancements in resolving the cases.

AG briefed over monks, ’ cash and sex scandal

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AG briefed over monks, ’ cash and sex scandal

Attorney General George Savvides was briefed on an ongoing investigation into a cash scandal involving monks at the monastery of Saint Avvakoum. Monks were allegedly found in possession of €800,000 in cash and were also discovered to own property in Greece and Limassol. The investigation includes allegations of money laundering and obtaining money with false representations. The police are working to identify whether felonies have been committed and initial findings were presented to the Attorney General. The monastery has faced criticism for allegedly receiving donations through fake “miracles” and promises to people suffering from diseases. The monks have vehemently denied the accusations, claiming there has been no financial mismanagement. The monastery has also been accused of engaging in sexual acts on CCTV footage, with one monk reported for sexual harassment. The scandals have raised concerns about potential money laundering through church donations.

Golden passport investigations , ‘moving forward’

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Golden passport investigations , ‘moving forward’

Fact: Investigations surrounding the golden passports scheme are moving forward, with some at the final stages, according to police chief Stelios Papatheodorou.

AG briefed over monastery scandal , ‘for hours’

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AG briefed over monastery scandal , ‘for hours’

The Legal Service was convening to review the results of police investigations into the Osiou Avakoum monastery scandal.

Cash flows to Cyprus increase, amid money laundering fears

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Cash flows to Cyprus increase, amid money laundering fears

– €90 million out of €101.6 million declared in cash transactions have no prosecutions before court.
– Most cash declarations at airport customs offices are for the purchase of real estate.
– In the beginning of 2023, 25% of entities were designated as high risk for money laundering, terrorist funding, and tax avoidance.
– There is currently no limit on the amount of cash someone can use to purchase something in Cyprus, as long as purchases over €10,000 are declared to the tax commissioner.

Cabinet ratifies police and FBI cooperation

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Cabinet ratifies police and FBI cooperation

Fact: The memorandum of cooperation between Cyprus’ police and the FBI will strengthen Cyprus’ law enforcement with expertise to combat money laundering and investigate cases involving financial crime.

AG: my friendship with ex-president no bar to truth

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AG: my friendship with ex-president no bar to truth

Attorney-general George Savvides stated that if any issues arise from the Anti-Corruption Authority’s investigation into allegations against former president Nicos Anastasiades, the Legal Service will find ways to respond.

Legal Services to meet over monastery scandal

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Legal Services to meet over monastery scandal

A meeting at the state Legal Services will be held this week on potential financial crimes and money laundering at the Osiou Avakoum monastery.

Updates expected on St Habakkuk scandal investigations

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Updates expected on St Habakkuk scandal investigations

The Attorney-General has convened two meetings this week with police investigators for important cases. The first meeting is about the scandal of granting citizenship to foreign investors, the second is regarding the scandal at the Saint Habakkuk Monastery. Another meeting is scheduled for next week to discuss possible violations of US sanctions against Russian oligarchs in Cyprus. The investigations at the Saint Habakkuk Monastery are progressing, with updates expected after a meeting with investigators. Additionally, there will be a meeting with the Financial Crime Unit to discuss cases related to golden passports. Decisions are pending on a major case involving citizenship grants. Investigations into sanctions on Russians by the US, specifically involving Alexey Mordashov divesting shares through an organization in Cyprus, are nearing completion.