The Independent Authority Against Corruption has reviewed 110 out of 340 complaints submitted, with only 12 cases advancing to investigation, Commissioner for Transparency Haris Poyiadjis announced on Thursday. The remaining complaints were dismissed. Poyiadjis presented the Authority's 2023 report to President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace.

During the meeting, President Christodoulides described the establishment of the Authority as a “wise decision” by the previous government and emphasized its independence.

“We are here to support you and address any issues to enhance both effectiveness and efficiency,” the President said, highlighting the connection between timely investigations and public trust in justice.

The President reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption, aiming to uphold Cyprus’s reputation both domestically and internationally. He also referred to cooperation with the FBI, mentioning recommendations that had been forwarded to relevant Ministries and the Legal Service to initiate necessary reforms.

Poyiadjis explained that the Authority's 2023 report represents its first full operational year. While noting a lack of sufficient staff as a major challenge, he emphasized improvements, particularly in implementing the lobbying law in 2024. To date, there have been 140 lobbying registrations, including some from Greece, with 35 pending.

Poyiadjis acknowledged delays in reviewing complaints due to the extensive work required but projected significant progress by mid-2025. He highlighted ongoing efforts to monitor public sector actions, with an action plan expected by the end of the month.

Of the 12 cases under investigation, 7-8 remain active, with results anticipated in the coming months. Poyiadjis assured there has been no interference with the Authority’s work. He also noted that no violations of the lobbying law had been identified to date, with all communication forms properly submitted.

One notable investigation concerns a complaint linked to journalist Makarios Drousiotis’s book on corruption. Poyiadjis described it as the Authority’s most extensive case, involving over 100 witnesses. He expects the investigation to conclude by May 2025, with former President Nikos Anastasiades among the final witnesses to testify.