Christodoulides Vows Full Investigation Into Drousiotis Allegations Amid Europol Forensic Review
President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday that allegations made by journalist Makarios Drousiotis will be investigated “to the end”, as the government continues to reject claims that the key witness known as ‘Sandy’ was hired at the presidential office.
Speaking during a visit to the police academy, Christodoulides stressed his constitutional role and the importance of institutional integrity.
“In every democratic state there is a constitution, there are institutions, there are rules,” he said, adding that upon his election he had sworn “to the laws and the constitution of the republic”.
He stated that as “guardian of the constitution” he respects it “absolutely and above all else”.
The president’s remarks came in response to renewed allegations by Drousiotis, who has claimed that a woman referred to as ‘Sandy’ had been employed at the presidential office.
The government has categorically denied the claim, with officials stating that no individual matching that identity has worked there during the present administration.
Christodoulides called on political parties and society at large to act responsibly, warning that undermining institutions risks destabilisation.
“What I call on everyone, political parties, our society in general, is the responsibility we all have to protect the laws and the constitution,” he said.
“Otherwise, we are heading towards a state of anarchy. I am sure that no one wants us to reach such a level.”
When asked whether the allegations could be part of a deliberate attempt to create political instability ahead of elections, the president declined to speculate.
“I have nothing to comment on what anyone’s intentions are or are not,” he said, adding that “Cypriot society is quite mature” and capable of forming its own conclusions.
He was, however, unequivocal on the question of whether the claims would be fully examined.
“Of course, an investigation will be carried out to the end,” he said, insisting that “relevant decisions were taken” and that additional safeguards are being implemented, including cooperation with Europol.
Parallel to the president’s remarks, authorities confirmed that key evidence connected to Drousiotis’ allegations has been sent to Europol’s cybercrime laboratories for forensic analysis.
The material includes a mobile phone attributed to “Sandy” and more than 130 digital files, primarily screenshots of alleged communications and spreadsheet data.
The decision to refer the evidence abroad was taken by the cabinet following a briefing on the progress of the police investigation.
Justice Minister Costas Fitiris said the move was intended to ensure technical accuracy and reduce accusations of bias.
Drousiotis has maintained that the material points to serious allegations, including corruption involving senior figures, and has accused state authorities of attempting to discredit his claims.
He has however, rejected the notion that Europol’s involvement guarantees independence.
“There is no ‘European police officer’ with an independent investigative capacity,” he said, explaining that the agency relies on officers seconded by member states.
He further alleged a conflict of interest, claiming that the head of Cyprus’ liaison office at Europol, George Karkas, is involved in legal proceedings against him.
“It is obvious that neither he nor any of his Cypriot subordinates can be involved in any way in the investigation of the present case, due to an obvious conflict of interest,” he said.
Despite the international referral, Drousiotis stressed that no independent criminal investigators have been appointed domestically.
As a result, he said, “the investigation continues to be conducted by the Cyprus police, which is already involved in the case and operates under the instructions” of attorney-general George Savvides and his deputy Savvas Angelides, who he claims are themselves under scrutiny and “directly involved” in the allegations of corruption.
This, he argued, “raises serious questions as to the independence and impartiality of the process”.
The position of ‘Sandy’ remains unclear, with conflicting accounts emerging.
Reports indicate that her former lawyer has claimed she retracted previous statements under pressure, while authorities have secured her alleged device as part of the investigation.
Officials have emphasised that forensic examination of the original hardware will be central to establishing the credibility of the evidence.
Government representatives have also pointed to what they describe as inconsistencies in the allegations.
Deputy government spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou said checks had been conducted and found no record of employment matching the claims. “There are serious contradictions,” he said, expressing confidence that the investigative process would clarify the situation.
Christodoulides concluded his remarks by stating that “we are monitored daily by the European Union, it would be a sorry state of affairs if we were to reach the point of questioning our institutions and our state. Let us all reflect on our responsibilities.”
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