Cyprus Residents Filed 911 Complaints with the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority

Since the start of its operations, the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority of Cyprus has received 911 complaints. By August 31, 2026, specialists had reviewed 645 of them — 71% of the total. Another 29% of complaints remain under review.

911 complaints since the authority began operating

The number of complaints was disclosed on Tuesday, September 29, by the head of the authority, Harris Poyadjis. He spoke at a Cyprus Forum discussion in Nicosia dedicated to the rule of law and the independence of state institutions. According to Poyadjis, complaints are submitted both by public institutions and by ordinary citizens. In reviewing them, the authority has encountered another problem: not all applicants and public bodies have a clear understanding of what constitutes corruption and what evidence is required. Of the 911 complaints:

1. 645 complaints, or 71%, have already been reviewed;
2. 29% of complaints are still being processed.

The Independent Anti-Corruption Authority began operating in 2023. Its establishment formed part of reforms introduced after corruption scandals, including those linked to the “golden passport” programme.

Will the authority be able to investigate cases itself?

At present, the authority does not have the power to conduct investigative actions independently. It receives and assesses complaints, and if it identifies indications of a criminal offence, it forwards the materials to other state authorities. However, this may change. The Ministry of Justice recently sent the authority its recommendations on granting it investigative powers. Discussion of the issue is expected to begin in October 2026.

The question of allowing the authority to initiate criminal proceedings itself is more complicated. According to Poyadjis, the authorities are not yet prepared to make such changes because this would require an amendment to the Constitution. At present, the power to prosecute criminal cases rests with the Attorney General.

An anti-corruption handbook will be prepared for public officials

The Independent Anti-Corruption Authority has developed a plan consisting of 11 initiatives that will be introduced gradually. One of them is a special handbook for every newly appointed public official. It will contain information:

1. on anti-corruption legislation;
2. on the requirements public officials must comply with;
3. on the risks and consequences of violating these rules.

Distribution of the handbook is expected to begin within the year. According to Poyadjis, the need for such a measure is linked to insufficient knowledge of the legislation. Some violations, he said, occur not intentionally but because people are unaware of the established rules.

How to file a corruption complaint in Cyprus

Any resident of Cyprus can contact the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority. Complaints can even be submitted anonymously:

1. through the online form on the iaac.org.cy website;
2. by email at complaint@iaac.org.cy;
3. by post;
4. in person at the Office of the Commissioner for Transparency in Nicosia, at 10 Markos Drakos Street.

The website also provides sample complaint forms, although using those specific templates is not mandatory. After receiving a complaint, the authority assesses the information provided. If signs of a possible criminal offence are identified, the materials are forwarded to the police or the Attorney General’s Office.