Cyprus has appointed a five-member team of criminal investigators to examine potential criminal liabilities of state officials related to the "Mafia State" report, 16 days after the findings were made public. The team comprises two Greek and three Cypriot members, led by Vasilios Skouris, former President of the European Court of Justice, and will be supported by police investigators. However, the appointment has been overshadowed by concerns over potential conflicts of interest, particularly involving Christos Mylonopoulos, who previously represented a key figure linked to the case.

Mylonopoulos confirmed he would recuse himself from any investigation connected to the case where he had prior involvement, but legal experts argue his presence on the team could still undermine public confidence in its independence. Additional concerns were raised regarding another member, Nicolas Koursaris, owing to his ties with influential legal circles and judiciary connections. Government officials responded that the team would operate within existing legal frameworks and stressed the difficulties in assembling members free from all potential conflicts.

The investigation is set to last six months, with possible extensions, but several questions remain unanswered, including who will decide on prosecutions and provide legal guidance. The inquiry will work closely with police to leverage their investigative experience and authority in obtaining warrants during the probe.