At this stage, no criminal offences have emerged from the six-month investigation into the so-called “Videogate” affair, according to the findings of independent criminal investigator Andreas Paschalides. The Legal Service will, however, assess concerns raised over possible promises or actions that may fall within the scope of legislation criminalising corruption.
The investigation focused on the contents of a video published on January 8, 2026, through the “Emily Thompson” account on the X platform. The criminal investigator concluded that statements made by certain Cypriots appearing in the footage amounted to “empty talk and grandstanding,” intended to create impressions and secure personal financial gain, without establishing that any criminal offences had been committed.
Five main issues were examined: the non-inclusion of a Russian oligarch on the European Union’s sanctions list; a tower development project in Limassol; donations to candidates in the 2023 presidential election; the implementation of lobbying legislation; and the operation of a fund managed by the President’s wife. According to the findings, no incriminating evidence emerged in relation to these matters.
The investigation, however, is not over. Paschalides’ appointment has been extended until December 31, 2026, so that inquiries can continue, in cooperation with the police, into the identity of the person or organisation that commissioned the Israeli company Black Cube to produce the video, as well as the objectives and motives behind the operation.
Black Cube was granted immunity in order to hand over 26 hours of material and maintains that its evidence is authentic and exposes corruption.
A report in the newspaper Phileleftheros states that investigators are examining a possible connection with a foreign country or a person well known in Cyprus. These claims, however, remain at the level of information and suspicion and do not constitute an established finding of the investigation.
To secure the complete audiovisual material, amounting to approximately 26 hours, immunity was granted to Black Cube, its executives and its agents, including in relation to personal data issues. Only an eight-minute excerpt had been made public.
At the same time, there is disagreement over how the material should be assessed. The criminal investigator states that the published video had been edited, while Black Cube insists that its evidence is authentic and reveals corruption. The final decision will rest with the Legal Service after it reviews the findings and the accompanying material.
Sources: Fileleftheros
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