The Cypriot government has appointed an investigating officer to launch a disciplinary investigation into Yiannis Nikolaidis, the current Director-General of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare. The action follows the release of a damning report tied to the global Takata airbag scandal, which has been linked to multiple fatal accidents worldwide.

The decision was made by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday after Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis briefed cabinet members on the findings of an investigative committee. The report revealed serious lapses in Cyprus’s handling of vehicle recalls associated with the defective Takata airbags.

Nikolaidis, who formerly served as Deputy Director at both the Ministry of Transport and the Department of Road Transport (TOM), is now under scrutiny for his alleged role in the mismanagement of the recall process. According to the committee’s findings, he may face potential criminal charges, including manslaughter and abuse of power—offenses that are currently under investigation by the Cyprus Police.

While the criminal probe proceeds independently, the disciplinary investigation will focus on possible breaches of administrative conduct. Nikolaidis is expected to be suspended from his position pending the outcome of the inquiry.