investigation

Andrew Tate brought to Romanian court on UK arrest warrant

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Andrew Tate brought to Romanian court on UK arrest warrant

Internet personality Andrew Tate was arrested in Romania for 24 hours on a British warrant related to allegations of sexual aggression from 2012-2015, which he and his brother Tristan deny. The Bucharest Court of Appeals is to decide on his extradition. The warrant was issued by Westminster Magistrates Court. Andrew and Tristan Tate were also indicted in Romania for human trafficking, rape, and forming a criminal gang for sexual exploitation, charges they have denied. The Bucharest court is considering whether to start the trial and whether to maintain the seizure of Tate’s assets. The Tate brothers were in police custody from late December 2022 until April, followed by house arrest until August, and are now under judicial control.

Holy scandal: monks to appear before church court

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Holy scandal: monks to appear before church court

The ecclesiastical court will convene within the week to address allegations involving two monks from the Ayios Avakoum monastery in Fterikoudes, related to a sex and cash scandal. The court, which will conduct its proceedings behind closed doors, will be led by Kiti Bishop Nektarios. Tamasos Bishop Isaias initiated the investigation but has since recused himself to avoid a conflict of interest, as has Morphou Bishop Neophytos due to his good relations with the accused monks. The court will consist of six Holy Synod members. The monks are accused of possessing €800,000 in cash, owning property in Greece and Limassol, and being caught on CCTV footage engaging in sexual activities with each other. Police, however, have denied involvement in any undercover operation targeting the monks, despite claims of a violent kidnapping by the monks’ lawyers. Police spokesman Christos Andreou stated that two officers were present at the monastery on March 5 for security during evidence collection but were not part of the ecclesiastical investigation. The police are investigating separate allegations of financial crimes and reports of assault, threats of violence, and other offenses related to the monastery. President Nikos Christodoulides has commented on the case, emphasizing that it is subject to an ongoing investigative and judicial process.

Eyes on , ‘MP’ in north’s fake diploma scandal

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Eyes on , ‘MP’ in north’s fake diploma scandal

The scandal involving “fake diplomas” in the north’s education sector continues to unfold, focusing on UBP MP Emrah Yesilirmak and the authenticity of his business administration degree from Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University (KSTU). MPs in the north have immunity from criminal proceedings with certain exceptions, but this does not prevent investigations. The Cyprus Massachusetts Centre of Innovation is linked to a criminal network involving forged student visas, leading to several arrests. The north’s higher education accreditation authority (Yodak)’s deputy chairman, Hasan Amca, takes charge amid criminal proceedings against its chairman, Turgay Avci, and former board member Mehmet Hasguler, both arrested for accepting under-the-table payments during KSTU’s accreditation process. Senior judge Gokhan Asafogullari is investigating Avci’s conduct.

Akel demands cheaper electricity

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Akel demands cheaper electricity

The opposition party Akel in Cyprus, led by Stefanos Stefanou, has urged the government to reduce electricity costs for households and businesses and has demanded an investigation into the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal project at Vasiliko. Stefanou emphasized the need for Cyprus to transition to natural gas for electricity generation to avoid the high costs associated with burning heavy fuel oil, highlighting that Cyprus paid about €350 million in greenhouse gas emissions allowances last year. Akel has proposed several measures to alleviate high electricity prices, including reducing VAT on electricity from 19% to 9%, taxing windfall profits of banks and energy companies, promoting competitive tenders for renewables, and extending electricity subsidies.

St Habakkuk: Police probe financial irregularities and abuse allegations

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St Habakkuk: Police probe financial irregularities and abuse allegations

Police are investigating a scandal at the Saint Habakkuk Monastery involving two main issues: the origin of hundreds of thousands of euros found within the monastery and serious allegations against Bishop Isaias by four monks. CID investigators are scheduled to meet with two monks to document their allegations, while the remaining two monks, implicated in the financial aspect, will also be summoned. The Economic Crime Investigation Office is examining potential financial offenses, focusing on how €800,000 in cash was accumulated, the monastery’s real estate holdings, and their acquisition. Police secured the cash and documents during urgent visits to the monastery. The case also involves accusations against Bishop Isaias of threats, assaults, and acts of violence. Additionally, two monks implicated in financial fraud were recorded engaging in sexual acts, with cameras set up to monitor an office and a bedroom within the monastery. The monastery’s website listed accounts for financial contributions from believers. Opposition party AKEL has initiated a discussion on the financial exploitation of faith and the need for legislative regulation.