Michael Welu worked at the IRS for decades as a specialist in helping agents identify and investigate possible tax crimes. In an agency known for offices working in their own silos, Welu had the rare ability to move between divisions, dissecting and learning each office’s particular customs and procedures. But that experience had its own … Read more
– The opposition proceedings in the case brought against auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides by attorney-general George Savvides were filed by Odysseas’ team of lawyers.
– The opposition is based on two points: the application of the AG to the constitutional council is groundless and the AG does not have the authority to seek the sacking of an independent state official.
– Odysseas’ camp is applying pressure on the president to publicly side with him.
– The head of the anti-corruption authority demanded criminal charges against the drug squad chief, possibly linked to the Odysseas-Savvides clash.
– Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah urged Syrians to head for Cyprus and Europe to pressure Brussels to give Lebanon more funds for Syrian refugees.
– Parents were upset over the difficulty of questions in modern Greek exams for secondary school students.
– State hospital nursing unions are threatening industrial action if more nurses are not hired.
– The president announced the decision to appoint two criminal investigators before the cabinet approved it.
The Legal Service has no intention to challenge the court verdict on Thanasis Nicolaou that ruled he was strangled.
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.
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.
A protest march in Limassol resulted in multiple injuries and ten arrests, with participants alleging police brutality. The protest began against high rents and moved towards the Limassol Crime Investigation Department building, demanding a fair investigation into the death of Bangladeshi immigrant Anisur Rahman. Protesters claim they were peacefully standing when police charged towards them, resulting in injuries and clashes. This was the third protest over Rahman’s death, which occurred during a police raid on an apartment where Rahman fell to his death while trying to escape. The police’s version of events has been disputed by eyewitnesses and organizations. The Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police is investigating the circumstances surrounding Rahman’s death.
Two criminal investigators will be appointed by the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police to look into the death of Anisur Rahman, who fell from a fifth-floor apartment during a migrant raid in Limassol. The Attorney General has approved this request, and the investigators will focus on the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, including the living conditions in the apartment and the reasons for the police search without a warrant.
A meeting at the state Legal Services will be held this week on potential financial crimes and money laundering at the Osiou Avakoum monastery.
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.
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.