At the press briefing announcing the latest exchequer returns on Wednesday, the Department of Finance’s chief economist, John McCarthy, said his department estimated that about 50 per cent of the State’s €24 billion annual corporate tax take could be classified as “windfall” and potentially “non-recurring”.That means we’re accruing €12 billion in business tax receipts that … Read more
Tamassos Bishop Isaias threatened on Wednesday to send police to the infamous Osiou Avakoum monastery in Fterikoudes, if monks attempt to return there on June 6, when their suspension ends. The monks had been suspended by Isaias when the scandal broke in March, and since then it has been rumoured that the bishop would be … Read more
The illegal construction of a church in the Natura 2000 Network in Cape Greco, despite the reaction of relevant government departments, shows that the violation of environmental legislation is deeply rooted in corruption.
Hunter Biden’s criminal trial on gun charges began with a government lawyer stating that he was being prosecuted for lying on a form to purchase a handgun and not above the law. Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty to three felony charges related to failing to disclose his drug use when purchasing a gun. The trial is taking place in Wilmington, Delaware, and Hunter Biden’s attorney argued that the gun was never used and was disposed of shortly after purchase. Hunter Biden has publicly discussed his drug addiction, and FBI agent Erika Jensen is expected to testify about his messages discussing drug use. If convicted on all charges, Hunter Biden faces up to 25 years in prison.
Fact: Akel MP Irini Charalambidou criticized the attorney-general’s office for its handling of the prosecution of former Volunteerism Commissioner Yiannakis Yiannaki, who is accused of forging his academic qualifications.
Bishop Isaias of Tamassos has indefinitely extended the suspension of Abbot Nectarios and Monk Porphyrios of the Saint Habakkuk monastery due to an ongoing case involving alleged financial improprieties and misconduct. The monks are barred from performing any liturgical acts until a final decision is reached by the Church authorities.
The financial aspect of the scandal surrounding the Osiou Avakoum monastery is the most complex one, according to the attorney-general. Monks under investigation were allegedly found with €800,000 in cash, property in Greece and Limassol, and were caught on CCTV footage having sex with each other.
The Cyprus government has scrapped a €1.2 billion concession for the development of the Larnaca marina and port, leading to questions about the financial viability of public contracts and the administration’s cash flow.
On May 31, major events included the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging in 1902, which ended the Boer War in South Africa. In 2008, Usain Bolt set a new world record in the men’s 100 meters race in New York.
Authorities are close to completing an investigation into how Malaysian fugitive Jho Low obtained Cypriot citizenship in 2015. Low, wanted for allegedly embezzling billions from Malaysia’s 1MDB fund, acquired a Cypriot passport through the country’s citizenship by investment program. The investigation involves an international arrest warrant and the potential confiscation of a villa Low purchased in Ayia Napa. Despite initial delays, Low’s citizenship was revoked in May 2023, leading to an appeal filed with the Supreme Court. Low denies wrongdoing and his whereabouts are unknown.