The Independent Authority against Corruption has found a suitable candidate to investigate the allegations against the former President of the Republic of Cyprus in the face of an experienced expert in international affairs from Australia, Gabrielle Louise McIntyre.
McIntyre has agreed to undertake the investigation into the allegations against Nikos Anastasiades, as stated in journalist and researcher Makarios Drousiotis’ book, ‘Mafia State’.
The case was brought before the Anti-Corruption Authority during the last pre-election period by the presidential candidate, Andreas Mavrogiannis.
The Anti-Corruption Authority concluded with a researcher from Australia and three other Cypriots, who will form the team, after a period of searching for capable and willing researchers to participate in the investigation.
The head of the investigation has already come to Cyprus to be thoroughly informed about the investigation and is expected to return in the coming days.
It is noted that the said researcher has no ties to Cyprus, and this is her first visit to the island.
According to ‘Fileleftheros’, her earnings are expected to reach 800 euros for each working day, while her work will be assisted by three Greek Cypriot lawyers
An announcement is expected to be issued by the Anti-Corruption Authority next week regarding the names of the individuals who will comprise the research team, while at the same time, other issues will be clarified, given that three of the four are Cypriots.
Additionally, the Anti-Corruption Authority is expected to announce the terms of reference for the investigation, which is expected to start immediately.
The Authority had previously approached Greek lawyers, but there was difficulty in reaching an agreement with them to take on the role of inspection and investigation.
However, when the author of the book informed last November that his work would be translated into English, the scope of the anti-corruption body was expanded, as it became possible to find lawyers from abroad.
As part of the relevant investigative contacts outside Cyprus, a proposal for this specific lawyer emerged, and after her case was evaluated and preliminary contacts were made, a meeting was arranged in Cyprus to agree on the final details.
It should be noted that Ms McIntyre had already read the book in English before the final agreement with the Authority and expressed her willingness to take on the role of leading the investigation and examining whether there are issues of corruption or conflict of interest for the former President.
