The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment announced that the Cyprus Police have initiated a criminal investigation into the procedures followed in a Forestry Department tender for aerial firefighting equipment.
According to the Ministry, the investigation is based on findings from an administrative inquiry ordered by Minister Maria Panayiotou following a written complaint. The inquiry covered all contracts, including leases and maintenance agreements, from 2017 onwards, aiming to identify actions, omissions, or misconduct that could constitute disciplinary breaches or criminal offences.
The administrative report, submitted to the Minister on 6 December 2024, was forwarded to the Legal Service of the Republic for evaluation. Following their assessment, the findings were passed to the police for further investigation.
The Ministry assured that the Republic of Cyprus’ aerial programme operations continue uninterrupted.
