A hidden-camera video claims Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and inner circle ran a cash-for-favors system—illegal campaign funding, fast-tracked permits, influence peddling, and even help for sanctioned oligarchs.
Key allegations:
— Campaign cash to bypass the €1M cap: “They spend the money in cash… I can tell you this is in cash.”
— President’s brother-in-law as gatekeeper: “He is the box man… to his campaign.”
— Pay-to-play access: “This is the closest person to the President… this is exactly how it works.”
— Permits expedited by order: “They issued the permit in two weeks… The President said I want this done.”
— Donations buying influence: “They got the attention of the President… I arranged a call.”
— Sanctions pressure alleged: “I also make sure that Cyprus holds a firm stance in the EU.”
Cyprus says the video is fabricated disinformation, mixing real footage with doctored audio—part of a Russian-style “hybrid” attack timed right after Cyprus took the EU Council presidency.
Authorities launched investigations and asked allies for help.