The ‘golden passports’ trial linked to the Al investigation Jazeera , postponed again. The case stems from a 2020 investigation that accused senior figures of corruption. The defendants include former speaker Dimitris Silouris , former AKEL MP Christakis Jovanis and also Antonis Antoniou , head of Giovani . The trial is scheduled to begin on January 13, 2025.
The charges include bribery, conspiracy to defraud and trading in influence, mainly relating to the naturalisation of foreign investors. Final plans for the trial will be discussed at a December 16 hearing at the Nicosia Criminal Court. Today’s hearing was postponed due to ongoing proceedings in another case.
The citizenship by investment program (known as the “golden passport” scheme) was finally and irrevocably terminated following a damning investigation by Al Jazeera : The film exposed corruption in the way the Cypriot government issued passports to international criminals and fugitives, sparking protests in the country.
The European Commission has also launched an investigation into Cyprus, arguing that granting EU citizenship for investment without a genuine link to member states undermines the essence of EU citizenship. Under the scheme, foreigners could obtain a Cypriot passport by investing more than €2 million in the country.
