Corruption watchdog reviews over half of 750 complaints amid ongoing surveillance probe

The independent authority against corruption has examined more than half of the 750 complaints submitted over the past three years, transparency commissioner Haris Poyiadjis informed the parliamentary institutions committee on Wednesday.

He said approximately 54 per cent of all complaints have now been reviewed, with seven officers currently engaged in the process, allowing investigations to proceed faster than the pace of new submissions.

He assured MPs that officials can continue to perform their duties without disruption during ongoing investigations and that no information is leaked.

Poyiadjis confirmed that the authority is actively examining complaints linked to surveillance and the activities of foreign companies in Cyprus.

When asked whether the findings of independent criminal investigator Elias Stefanou into the spy van case would be requested, he cited Article 18 of the law guaranteeing confidentiality.

“At this moment I see no reason to lift the confidentiality because it is an ongoing investigation and you will be informed of the result,” he stressed.

The committee discussion also addressed a bill introduced by independent MP Irene Charalambides to institutionalise mutual information between the authority and the tax commissioner when corruption complaints intersect with tax audits.

Pogiatzis, as well as the tax commissioner himself, Sotiris Markides, expressed support for the proposals, while emphasising that the commissioner’s independence must be preserved.

Markides said his work does not conflict with criminal investigations and that audits do not impede ongoing cases, although reviewing assets located abroad can be limited by local authority.

Legal service representative, Marina Masoura, raised concerns that parallel criminal and tax investigations could create legal obstacles, stressing the need for clear coordination between institutions.

Poyiadjis suggested amendments to ensure the tax commissioner is informed of the authority’s findings on both officials and public servants, and that the Authority receives updates on audit results even after files are closed.

Committee chairman, Demetris Demetriou acknowledged that the bill might be unnecessary but encouraged Charalambides to revise it according to the feedback from the authority, the tax commissioner, and the legal service.

 Poyiadjis concluded that strict confidentiality and coordination remain essential to the credibility of investigations and to maintaining public trust in institutions.