attorney general

FACTBOX-What’s Trump worth? A look at his assets and income

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FACTBOX-What’s Trump worth? A look at his assets and income

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is required to post a bond covering a 4 million civil judgment against him in a New York state case by a Monday deadline, following a judge’s ruling that he overstated the value of his assets. Trump’s lawyers have stated it is impossible for him to raise that amount. Trump claims he has done nothing wrong. Failure to post the bond could lead to the seizure of his assets by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Trump has declared he has “almost five hundred million dollars in cash” and reported at least 7 million in revenues from golf courses and hotels in 2022, among other sources of income. His financial statement from June 2021 listed his properties’ worth at .3 billion and his net worth at .5 billion. The judge in the New York case found Trump had overstated the value of several properties. Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform, is valued at about billion, with Trump’s shares in the combined company worth about .6 billion.

US takes on Apple in major antitrust lawsuit

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US takes on Apple in major antitrust lawsuit

The U.S. Department of Justice and 15 states, along with the District of Columbia, filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing it of using its market power to drive up prices and harm smaller competitors. This marks a significant antitrust action by the Biden administration against Apple, which joins other major tech companies like Google, Meta Platforms, and Amazon that have faced similar lawsuits. The lawsuit alleges that Apple’s practices result in higher prices for consumers, developers, content creators, artists, publishers, small businesses, and merchants. Filed in U.S. federal court in Newark, New Jersey, the 88-page lawsuit aims to address Apple’s alleged anticompetitive behavior, particularly concerning its App Store’s commission fees and restrictions on third-party access to iPhone’s hardware and services. Apple has faced antitrust scrutiny and legal challenges in other regions, including Europe, Japan, and Korea, as well as from corporate rivals like Epic Games. Despite a legal challenge from Epic, Apple’s App Store commission structure has largely remained intact in the U.S., though a federal judge ordered Apple to allow alternative payment methods within apps. In response to new legislation in Europe, Apple plans to allow developers to offer their own app stores without commissions, though this move has faced criticism. The lawsuit also highlights complaints from consumer hardware firms about restricted access to iPhone’s sensors and chips, exemplified by Apple’s AirTags product and its exclusive control over contactless payment additions through Apple Pay. Apple defends its practices by citing privacy and security reasons.

Apple accused of monopolising smartphone markets in US antitrust lawsuit

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Apple accused of monopolising smartphone markets in US antitrust lawsuit

The U.S. Department of Justice and 15 states filed a lawsuit against Apple, accusing the company of using its market dominance to inflate prices for its services and suppress smaller competitors. This legal action is part of a broader U.S. effort to regulate major technology companies. The lawsuit aims to challenge Apple’s business practices, which have historically involved charging premium prices for technology products and controlling the user experience. The Justice Department’s complaint focuses on restoring competition in the smartphone market, reducing prices for consumers, lowering fees for developers, and encouraging innovation. The lawsuit cites instances where Apple allegedly hindered competition, including issues related to messaging apps, smartwatches, and digital wallets. The Justice Department also referenced an email from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs indicating an intent to lock in developers and consumers to Apple’s payment systems. Apple responded by defending its business model, emphasizing the integration of hardware, software, and services in its products. The complaint seeks to prevent Apple from using its control over app distribution and other means to disadvantage rivals. Apple has faced similar antitrust challenges in Europe, Japan, Korea, and from companies like Epic Games. The U.S. Justice Department expressed confidence in its case, while Apple has argued that its restrictions on third-party developers are for privacy and security reasons. However, the Justice Department contends that Apple’s actions have sometimes reduced privacy and security. In Europe, new legislation has forced Apple to allow developers to offer their own app stores without paying commissions, although challenges remain in implementing alternative app stores. The lawsuit also examines Apple’s practices concerning hardware access and services like Apple Pay and iMessage.

Disagreements stall capital statement talks

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Disagreements stall capital statement talks

MPs in Cyprus have been unable to progress on the issue of mandatory capital statements for politically exposed persons, despite months of discussions. The House ethics committee acknowledged serious gaps in reaching an agreement on who should disclose their assets upon taking office. The accountants’ association suggested that the disclosure should include a capital statement, a clear declaration of assets including those of the spouse and children, and subsequent disclosures of income and expenses to illustrate an individual’s net worth. There is some consensus on the need for reform as the current form of capital statements, which includes details like vehicle ownership, has been criticized. However, disagreements persist on the format of the statements, what information should be public, the timing of disclosures, and specifically who should be required to submit these statements. Currently, the president, ministers, MPs, and MEPs are mandated to submit capital statements under article 49 of the law, with discussions ongoing about expanding this requirement to include other positions like government spokespersons, mayors, the attorney general, and commissioners. These discussions are being led by a three-member parliamentary committee.

MiCA for cryptos by end of year, early-2025

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MiCA for cryptos by end of year, early-2025

Cyprus plans to implement the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation by the end of this year or early 2025, aiming to protect investors and promote transformation in the crypto asset sector in the European Union. The MiCA framework, created by the European Commission, focuses on maintaining financial stability throughout the EU. Currently, there are no safeguards at the Union level for the crypto asset market, with only individual national legislation in place. The number of crypto-asset service providers increased from seven in 2022 to 11 by the end of that year, with a total of 16 applications pending so far this year. The Chairman of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), Dr. George Theocharides, anticipates more CASP companies will emerge once MiCA is implemented. In 2023, CySEC conducted over 700 on-site and remote thematic inspections of supervised entities, assessed compliance with prudential supervision framework limits, and monitored Cypriot Investment Firms (CIFs) affected by Russia-Ukraine sanctions. CySEC also evaluated promotional material of over 35 CIFs, conducted investigations into CIFs, and imposed administrative sanctions totaling approximately EUR 2.2 million in 2023, with a total of EUR 6 million in administrative sanctions over the last three years. Additionally, 19 cases of CIFs had their operating licenses revoked or suspended. Dr. Theocharides highlighted the importance of the upcoming MiCA regulation for crypto-asset service providers, aimed at ensuring investor protection and market integrity. He urged investors to be cautious when investing in crypto-assets due to the associated risks. Despite challenges, the capital market in Cyprus remains of significant interest, with 82 entities receiving approval in 2023 and the number of supervised entities at 830 by the end of February 2024. CySEC also participated in events promoting financial literacy and issued warnings about entities posing as CySEC officials or imitating its website.

Police deny delays over monk scandal

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Police deny delays over monk scandal

The police have been criticized for their handling of a scandal involving monks, with accusations of special treatment due to the church’s influence being denied by the police. Videos have surfaced showing a monk assaulting a woman and staging a fake miracle, but lawyers claim these videos are doctored and have criticized the police’s approach, suggesting evidence may have been tampered with. The police spokesman, Christos Andreou, stated that there is insufficient evidence for arrests and mentioned the possibility of issuing European arrest warrants to prevent implicated parties from fleeing the country. He confirmed that no police action would be taken until after a Holy Synod meeting, as agreed upon by the attorney general, police chief, and archbishop. Andreou also revealed that police leadership was unaware of officers in civilian clothes being present at the Osiou Avakoum monastery during an incident involving hooded individuals. This operation, ordered by Tamassos Bishop Isaias for transferring valuable items, unexpectedly included €800,000 in cash, which the police did not intervene to secure, leading to criticism from MPs. The presence of plainclothes officers and the far-right party leader, Christos Christou, at the scene has sparked further controversy. The involvement of the secret service has been rumored but not confirmed. The police have investigated the monastery multiple times but not the bishopric, and it is unclear when the money was taken into police custody for investigation.

This is not a battle for perceptions, serious crimes have been committed

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This is not a battle for perceptions, serious crimes have been committed

The text discusses a series of scandals involving monks, including fraud related to miracles, romantic activities, and other misconduct. It mentions leaked videos, letters, and dialogues that have become public, contributing to the scandal. The Attorney General has appointed criminal investigators to work with the police on investigating potential criminal offenses related to these incidents. The text also describes specific examples of alleged misconduct, including a video of monks preparing myrrh and another video showing a monk striking a woman. In the latter case, the woman later claimed the video was edited and took responsibility for the misunderstanding, leading the police to state they cannot proceed without a complaint from her. The text criticizes the handling of these scandals and expresses concern about the impact on public opinion and the potential for more serious crimes to be uncovered.

Parties demand probe into ELAM’s Saint Habakkuk scandal connection

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Parties demand probe into ELAM’s Saint Habakkuk scandal connection

The president of ELAM, Christos Christou, was present at the Tamasos Bishopric during the transfer and counting of money from the safe of Saint Habakkuk, causing reactions from political parties. DISY, AKEL, DIKO, EDEK, DIPA, and the Greens are demanding explanations, with AKEL addressing the issue in the House of Representatives. Christou claims his presence was as an enthroned commissioner appointed by bishop Isaiah and criticizes AKEL’s stance towards the Church. Political parties have various reactions, with some denouncing ELAM and others calling for a thorough investigation into the events at Saint Habakkuk and the involvement of Christou. DIKO’s president, Nikolas Papadopoulos, emphasizes the need for investigation by competent authorities and raises questions about Christou’s presence and ELAM’s connections. EDEK suggests involving the Attorney General and lifting Christou’s parliamentary immunity, while DIPA emphasizes the importance of separating Church and State. The Greens suggest investigating Christou’s involvement in relation to the MPs’ code of ethics.

EDEK demands investigation into ELAM leader’s role in Saint Habakkuk scandal

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EDEK demands investigation into ELAM leader’s role in Saint Habakkuk scandal

EDEK has demanded decisive action from state authorities in response to the Saint Habakkuk Monastery scandal involving the ELAM party leader and the former Police Chief. They propose the following measures:
1. The Attorney General’s voluntary intervention and the appointment of independent criminal investigators to fully clarify the case, including potential criminal offenses.
2. Lifting the parliamentary immunity of the ELAM President to facilitate investigations into his involvement.
3. An expert investigation into the timing of the letter appointing the ELAM President as the throne commissioner of the Metropolitan.
4. Summoning the former Chief of Police to investigate his involvement in the scandal.

Saint Habakkuk involved in environmental scandal

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Saint Habakkuk involved in environmental scandal

– The hermitage of Saint Habakkuk was illegally erected and converted into the Holy Monastery of Saint Habakkuk by the Holy Synod on March 21, 2022.
– Efforts have been made for two years to legalize the monastery’s facilities through registration and road construction.
– Government departments have refused the retroactive legalization due to the monastery being built in a Natura 2000 Network area without environmental studies.
– Legal actions were initiated against the Monastery, the church committee, and Archimandrite Nektarios Georgiou for unauthorized constructions.
– The first inspection occurred in September 2022, and by March 2023, illegal buildings and lack of final approvals for various constructions were identified.
– On March 17, 2023, the Monastery was notified of the decision to take legal action, leading to a court case with 18 charges filed in July 2023, with a trial scheduled for March 26, 2024.
– Pressure was exerted to register a road leading to the monastery to grant legal access and obtain a license.
– The road falls within agricultural zone G3, protection zone Z1, the Special Protection Zone of the Natura 2000 Network named Madari – Papoutsa, and the Community Importance Area named Fountoukodasi Pitsilias, and is a known migratory bird corridor.
– The Department of Environment emphasized the negative impacts of road widening on the Natura 2000 Network areas.
– A meeting on March 21, 2023, discussed the road’s registration and construction, requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment study for approval.
– The Game and Fauna Service opposed the registration of roads through Nature Protection areas to prevent encouraging residential development in these areas.
– The Department of Environment had no objection to issuing a license for the legalization of the illegally erected cells and auxiliary spaces at the hermitage as of a month after the March 21, 2023 request for opinions.