Criminologist Ilias Anagnostopoulos has officially joined the team of independent criminal investigators looking into the Mafia State case, following approval by the Cypriot cabinet. He replaces Christos Mylonopoulos, who recused himself last week. The rest of the investigation team is expected to arrive in Cyprus early next week to begin their work based on findings by the anti-corruption authority.

The government has ensured that the investigators will receive full support including secretarial assistance and necessary infrastructure, with a fully equipped office space already allocated. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis emphasized that any concerns regarding Anagnostopoulos’ appointment were unrelated to the mandate of the anti-corruption authority or the investigative team.

The independent investigation follows a comprehensive anti-corruption authority inquiry derived from allegations in Makarios Drousiotis’ book Mafia State. That inquiry included approximately 150 witnesses, 200 hearings, and hundreds of exhibits, highlighting the case's complexity and significance.