Nicosia: The video at the centre of the so-called "videogate" case appears to have been produced with the aim of harming the Republic of Cyprus, Independent Criminal Investigator Andreas Paschalides said on Monday after submitting his report to the Attorney General. Paschalides stated that the evidence secured so far does not indicate any breach of the Criminal Code by Cypriots featuring in the video.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Legal Service confirmed that the report was submitted to the Attorney General on July 17. The findings, along with the recommendations and reservations of Paschalides and the police investigation team, will be examined and assessed. Additionally, the Attorney General has approved a request to extend Paschalides' appointment until December 31, 2026.
The report indicates that "the footage made public on January 8, 2026, is not authentic but the product of editing and, therefore, apart from having been obtained through unconstitutional acts and consequently constituting inadmissible evidence, is of negligible, if any, evidential value." It highlights that "three Cypriot individuals feature prominently in the footage, two of whom are known for their active involvement in the country's political affairs, while the third is known for his activities in the business sector."
The objective behind the video's production appears to have been to harm the Republic of Cyprus rather than private interests. Based on the evidence available, the report concludes that the video constitutes a form of hybrid attack aimed at harming the Cypriot state.
Claims that the Cypriot government intervened to keep a Russian oligarch off the European Union sanctions list were thoroughly investigated. The investigation established that the Cypriot authorities acted lawfully throughout, with no wrongdoing found.
The report reveals that the original video, approximately 26 hours long, was produced by a privately owned foreign company, registered abroad and known to investigators. The company operates globally in intelligence gathering and information services in return for substantial fees. Non-Cypriot agents were deployed to produce the video, and their identities have been established.
Allegations regarding a construction project in the Limassol district were investigated, finding the claims unfounded and baseless. The decisions taken by authorities were found to be entirely proper, with no evidence of corruption or improper advantage.
On cash donations during the presidential election campaign, the report says the issue featured prominently in interviews with two Cypriot 'protagonists'. Despite persistent claims of corruption, the investigation found no wrongdoing.
The Independent Social Support Body Fund was also examined due to allegations of it being a channel for improper favours. The investigation, supported by the Audit Office's report and donor register examination, demonstrated that the allegations were unfounded.
The investigation has identified the original video, the producer, and agents involved, but has not been able to identify the client of the company that produced the video. Identifying the client could shed light on the case's objectives and motives. The Attorney General has approved the recommendation to continue the investigation, extending Paschalides' appointment until December 31, 2026.