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.
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.
The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office has requested information from the US, Germany, France, and Cyprus regarding their potential involvement in organizing and financing terrorist attacks on Russia.
A meeting at the state Legal Services will be held this week on potential financial crimes and money laundering at the Osiou Avakoum monastery.
Russia’s general prosecutor’s office has written to western countries, asking them to respect international obligations in the investigation of Nord Stream blasts and “acts of terrorism” in Russia. Denmark and Sweden closed their inquiries into the explosions, passing evidence to German investigators. The letters were sent to Cyprus, France, Germany, and the United States after requests for information from Russian lawmakers and public figures. The prosecutor’s office is seeking details on possible involvement in funding terrorism acts in Russia and the Nord Stream blasts. The Kremlin has linked a recent attack on a Moscow concert hall to Ukraine, while denying involvement in the pipeline blasts. Both Russia and the West have accused each other, with no one claiming responsibility. The Kremlin has criticized the investigations as “close to absurd.”
Cyprus has not received any request from Russia to assist in investigating alleged Western involvement in terrorist attacks on Russian soil. Russia’s General Prosecutor’s Office has sent official requests to Western countries, including Cyprus, the United States, Germany, and France, asking for cooperation in investigating the Nord Stream blasts and acts of terrorism in Russia. Russia claims to have direct evidence implicating Western countries, particularly the United States and Ukraine, in collaborating with ISIS and Ukrainian intelligence to carry out attacks in Russia. The Kremlin has called the situation regarding the investigations “close to absurd”.
The Attorney-General, Giorgos Savvides, mentioned that there is an ongoing investigation by the Anti-Corruption Authority regarding references in a book by Makarios Drousiotis about the governance of Nikos Anastasiades. He emphasized the respect for the Independent Authority against Corruption and the need to evaluate the issue thoroughly. Savvides also addressed questions about his personal relationship with the former President and the criminal prosecution against Katsounotos, stating that decisions will become known publicly and detailed explanations will be provided if necessary. Additionally, he mentioned that the issue of multiple pensions for officials is a political matter that concerns the state, the executive power, and the legislative, and emphasized the importance of careful legislative regulation to avoid unconstitutional provisions.
The attack on members of the NGO World Central Kitchen has led to the suspension of the humanitarian aid delivery program to Gaza. Despite this setback, the government is determined to keep the initiative alive. President Christodoulides emphasized the importance of continuing to send aid to Gaza, calling for more efforts to assist the civilian population. The President also stressed the need for the EU to take action in the region. Metsola praised Cyprus’s leadership in the “Amalthea” initiative and highlighted the importance of protecting those providing humanitarian aid.
World Central Kitchen suspended its operations in Gaza after seven of its aid workers were killed in an IDF strike. President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the maritime aid corridor will remain open despite the suspension.
Fact: Panayiotis Hadjicostas, 65, died after his car plunged into a ravine approximately 20 meters deep in the village of Gerakies.