People were mistaken in thinking the saga of the golden passports was over. Earlier this week former Transport Minister Marios Demetriades, who served in the first Anastasiades government from 2014 to 2018, was charged in connection with a case of using his ministerial status to secure investors for his family law office. His father, who had served as a minister in another government, their law office and a public employee were also charged for bribery, corruption and money laundering.
Another two cases relating to the golden passports are being prepared by the attorney-general’s office, according to press reports. The last case brought against a Larnaca law firm in connection with the citizenship by investment scheme was unsuccessful, but the attorney-general has not given up on the matter, still looking into cases of possible wrongdoing highlighted by the investigations carried out in the past. It is strange that it has taken such a long time for cases to be put together, but at least the authorities have not given up on the matter.
It remains to be seen whether the case is successful or would fail as had happened in all the cases brought against bank executives and directors for the banking collapse of 2013. While a successful prosecution, so long as the evidence exists, would improve the way the system of justice is perceived by the public, the broader issue of corruption is still not being addressed. We should not forget that the citizenship by investment scheme took off under the presidency of Nicos Anastasiades, whose family businesses benefited significantly as a result. It is not just a legal matter, but an ethical one, when the family of the head of state benefits financially from a state policy he has prepared and promoted.
(cyprusmail)
