Government taking away passports from dozens of investors

Government taking away passports from dozens of investors

Cypriot authorities are revoking the citizenship of 68 investors and 165 dependents next week due to criminal offenses pending against them. Among those affected are individuals from China, Russia, and India. The decision to strip citizenship was made based on information provided by Interpol regarding various criminal charges, such as fraud and bribery, that carry significant prison sentences. The individuals have the right to appeal the decision with the Independent Authority on Citizenship Debarment.

Napa mayor faces charges over alleged misuse of European grant

Napa mayor faces charges over alleged misuse of European grant

Fact: Ayia Napa Mayor Christos Zannettou has been accused of unlawfully securing a €765,000 European grant for a hotel renovation project in which he held a stake.

Cyprus police warns against fake emails

Cyprus police warns against fake emails

The police warn the public about fake email messages pretending to be from the Cyprus Police. The messages claim recipients are involved in criminal offenses and urge them to respond. The police advise adjusting email settings to mark these messages as spam and not to engage with them.

Bishop Isaiah testifies on monastery allegations

Bishop Isaiah testifies on monastery allegations

– Bishop Isaiah of Tamassos testified for three days about financial irregularities and other actions by the monks of the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk, which he claims are criminal offenses.
– During his testimony, Bishop Isaiah mentioned a citizen’s complaint of sexual harassment against him.
– The complainant and theologian Theodoros Kyriakou also testified about the sexual harassment case.
– Bishop Isaiah provided evidence including photographs, audio recordings, and videos to support his allegations.
– It is suggested that the area around the bishop was under surveillance, but there is no indication of illegal recording.
– Monks of the Monastery of Saint Habakkuk were aware that their actions were being recorded and allegedly tried to disable the sound unsuccessfully.
– There is no information about a video circulating that records confessions of the faithful.
– Priests and employees at the Bishopric of Tamassos testified mainly about the financial management of the monastery and denied any form of violence against the monks.
– The testimonies described interactions with the monks, including the transfer of a safe to the bishop of Tamassos and the monks visiting the Bishopric’s office voluntarily.
– The monks under investigation claimed they were pressured into admitting to allegations.
– Two monks who recently went missing are to be summoned for testimony before the investigative committee of the Holy Synod and have been seen in various places.