The Independent Authority Against Corruption has appointed four individuals to conduct a suo motu investigation into the claims made in Makarios Drousiotis' book "Mafia State." These allegations pertain to potential acts of corruption.

It is noted that, in view of the upcoming investigation by the Authority, the former President Nikos Anastasiades demanded the withdrawal of journalist Makarios Drousiotis' books, a formal apology, and compensation.

According to the Authority's announcement, the four appointed Inspection Officers are Gabrielle McIntyre, a legal expert, Charilaos Chrysanthou, Orestis Nikitas, and Andreas Efthymiou, all of whom are attorneys. Gabrielle McIntyre will lead the investigation.

Gabrielle McIntyre, originally from Australia and currently residing in England, is recognized as an expert in international criminal law and procedure, international human rights law, and administrative law. Ms. McIntyre first arrived in Cyprus on Monday, February 12, 2024, following an invitation by the Authority, and stayed until Friday, February 16, 2024. She has no ties to Cyprus and agreed to the Terms of Mandate for the Investigation during this period.

Charilaos Chrysanthou has been a practicing lawyer since 2000 and runs his own law firm. He possesses extensive experience in handling criminal and civil cases.

Orestis Nikitas, also a lawyer with his own practice, has been registered since 2003. Since November 2020, he has been the President of the Anti-Corruption Committee of the Pancyprian Bar Association and is well-versed in criminal and civil law matters.

Lastly, Andreas Efthymiou, a lawyer based in Larnaca, has been instrumental in key legal roles, including as the Lead Legal Associate/Researcher in the Investigative Committee on the Collapse of the Cooperative Credit System (Aresti Committee) and in the Investigative Committee of Exceptional Naturalizations of Foreign Investors and Entrepreneurs (Nikolatou Committee). He is a member of the Anti-Corruption Committee of the Pancyprian Bar Association.

The Authority emphasizes that the Inspection Officers have received their Terms of Mandate and have committed to having no conflicts of interest regarding the facts they will investigate. The Terms of Mandate encompass all allegations of corruption contained in the book "Mafia State," falling within the Authority's jurisdiction as defined by existing legislation.

The team of Inspection Officers has already begun organizing the course of the Investigation, with Ms. McIntyre set to return to Cyprus on March 3, 2024. Τhe Authority clarifies that it will not make any statements regarding this ongoing investigation at present.