A total of 315 complaints have been submitted to Cyprus’ Independent Anti-Corruption Authority, Transparency Commissioner Charis Pogiatzis revealed during a presentation of the Authority’s 2025 budget to the Parliamentary Committee on Finance. Pogiatzis reported that five investigations have concluded, while six remain underway.

He noted that, despite ongoing efforts, the Authority still struggles to meet demand. However, recent months have seen an acceleration in the processing of complaints, largely due to the hiring of contracted officers through public agreements.

Pogiatzis expressed frustration that in October, the Treasury halted payments to contract-based officers working with the Authority without any explanation. Responding to a question by DISY MP Savvia Orphanidou, he clarified that of the 315 complaints submitted (230 named and 85 anonymous), 90 have been investigated, five investigations are complete, and six are ongoing.

Through public contracts, Pogiatzis explained, the Authority has been able to expedite preliminary complaint assessments and save resources, thanks to the contributions of contract officers. However, he warned that the Treasury’s refusal to pay five of the seven contracted officers could jeopardize the Authority’s planned progress on its caseload.

In further discussions with the Committee, Pogiatzis suggested that delayed investigations erode public trust in the Authority. He added that if current case processing speeds continue, public perception may shift positively.

Highlighting the Authority’s need for additional resources, Pogiatzis emphasized that it requires either permanent staff or ongoing public contract agreements to fulfill its responsibilities. Currently, the Authority operates with only one permanent employee, who serves as a clerk, one seconded officer, and four rotating staff members. He noted that the Authority has followed a public contracting model similar to that used by 12 other agencies that collaborate with professionals under similar frameworks.

Presenting the Authority’s budget, Pogiatzis outlined an allocation of approximately €1 million—48% of the total budget—designated for appointing inspection officers and contracting professionals who help expedite complaint investigations.

Committee President and DIKO MP Christiana Erotokritou intervened, requesting written clarification from the Ministry of Finance on why payments to contracted officers ceased, speculating that it might be an error, given that funds had already been approved in the 2024 budget.

AKEL MP Christos Christofides voiced concerns during the Committee session and in later statements regarding the delay in investigating complaints he had filed with the Authority involving former President Nicos Anastasiades' administration. Christofides noted that more than two years and three months have passed since filing three complaints, two of which directly concern Anastasiades, with the third implicating him indirectly.

"I have repeatedly heard the Transparency Commissioner and President of the Anti-Corruption Authority state that Mr. Anastasiades is not under investigation," said Christofides, questioning, "If Mr. Anastasiades is not under investigation, who do my complaints concern?"

Christofides expressed additional frustration, alleging that the previous investigation process had collapsed, and a new process commenced last September. Responding to Christofides, Pogiatzis confirmed that errors had been made in the investigation and that three officers are now handling the case. Christofides further raised concerns about the choice of officers, mentioning that one appointee had served under Anastasiades.

Pogiatzis replied that the potential for connections between officers and political parties is always examined, noting that in Cyprus, such associations are common, adding that another officer previously affiliated with ΕΔΟΝ had been disclosed during the recruitment process.

Christofides emphasized that the delays undermine the ability to gather timely evidence, remarking, “Time is a crucial factor, as we need evidence to substantiate criminal charges.” He added that these delays “raise reasonable questions about the actual commitment to investigating complaints, especially those related to Mr. Anastasiades.”