Cyprus nears conclusions in probe of Russian sanctions violations

Cyprus nears conclusions in probe of Russian sanctions violations

Cypriot authorities are investigating possible breaches of EU sanctions on Russian billionaires related to the war in Ukraine. Investigators are looking into cases involving high-profile individuals like Alexei Mordashov, who reportedly transferred shares worth €1.4 billion to his wife after the sanctions were imposed. The Attorney General’s office met with investigators to review progress and issue instructions, with potential prosecutions looming. Sources indicate that evidence from foreign countries is being sought to support potential charges, with funds leaving Cyprus before the sanctions were implemented being a focus of the investigation.

Our View: Who can we now trust to investigate soldier, ’s murder?

Our View: Who can we now trust to investigate soldier, ’s murder?

After 19 years of investigations, a judge ruled that the death of national guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou in September 2005 was not the result of suicide.

‘Time for criminal prosecutions over Thanasis Nicolaou’s murder’

‘Time for criminal prosecutions over Thanasis Nicolaou’s murder’

Fact: Investigator Savvas Matsas stated that the state should begin preparing criminal prosecutions against those involved in the killing of Thanasis Nicolaou, who was ruled to have been killed by strangulation after 19 years of authorities insisting it was suicide.

Family of Thanasis Nikolaou: Rejects involvement of Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General and Police in the investigations

Family of Thanasis Nikolaou: Rejects involvement of Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General and Police in the investigations

The family of Thanasis Nikolaou refuses to accept the involvement of the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, and the Police in the investigations of the case. They are calling for an independent investigative team to look into the circumstances of Thanasis’ murder and the alleged cover-up by members of the Police and National Guard.

Hundreds protest in support of auditor general

Hundreds protest in support of auditor general

Fact: Hundreds of people protested outside the legal service in support of Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides.

AG should stay out of Thanasis Nicolaou, ’s investigation, family decries

AG should stay out of Thanasis Nicolaou, ’s investigation, family decries

Fact: Lawyer Leto Cariolou called for an independent investigative team to explore the “coverup” behind Thanasis Nicolaou’s death and stated that any further involvement of the attorney general’s office in the case is unacceptable and unethical.

Christodoulides: Time for answers over Thanasis Nicolaou, ’s death

Christodoulides: Time for answers over Thanasis Nicolaou, ’s death

The tragic case of national guardsman Thanasis Nicolaou was not properly handled for 19 years.

It is now up to the state to find suspects, investigator says after Thanasis Nicolaou murder verdict

It is now up to the state to find suspects, investigator says after Thanasis Nicolaou murder verdict

The third coroner’s inquest into the death of Thanasis Nicolaou concluded that he was murdered by strangulation, bringing relief to his family after a long struggle for justice. The criminal investigator involved in the case stated that the investigation was thorough and objective, and the next step is to identify suspects based on the evidence. The Nicolaou family plans to pursue private criminal prosecutions against those responsible for mishandling the case initially. The Attorney General has indicated that he will not pursue criminal charges, but the family is determined to proceed with private prosecutions. Matsas emphasized the need for a fair and objective reinvestigation to gather more evidence and potentially prosecute individuals involved in the crime.

Thanasis Nicolaou murder ruling paves way for new probe to find killers

Thanasis Nicolaou murder ruling paves way for new probe to find killers

Judge Doria Varoshiotou ruled that Thanasis Nicolaou’s death was a result of criminal strangulation, overturning previous claims of suicide. This decision marks a significant victory for Nicolaou’s family, paving the way for further investigation into his death. The Law Office’s handling of the case was criticized by the judge for maintaining a suicide narrative and questioning the validity of forensic findings. Panikos Stavrianos intends to appeal the ruling, while the pathologists’ findings supported the conclusion of strangulation based on neck bruises and bone injuries.

Maltese central bank governor, deputy PM face fraud charges

Maltese central bank governor, deputy PM face fraud charges

Malta’s attorney general has filed charges of fraud and misappropriation of funds against Central Bank of Malta Governor Edward Scicluna and Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne in connection with a hospital privatisation scandal from 2015. Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, his chief of staff, and a former health minister also face serious corruption charges related to the scandal. The deal, valued at 4 billion euros, was annulled by Malta’s highest court in February due to fraud. Fearne has denied the charges, while Scicluna has not commented on the accusations. Muscat, Schembri, and Mizzi deny charges of money laundering, corruption, bribery, and more. Muscat resigned in 2020 after a close friendship with businessman Yorgen Fenech was revealed. Prime Minister Abela has defended Fearne’s integrity but has not confirmed plans to nominate him as Malta’s next European Commissioner. No date has been set for the formal court arraignments.