Cyprus formally requested technical assistance from the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, and France as authorities probe a leaked video labelled a possible hybrid attack involving manipulated audiovisual content.
The footage emerged Thursday on the social media platform X, seemingly capturing conversations among senior political and business figures with references to questionable financing and investments. Cypriot officials emphasise that authenticity remains under scrutiny via forensic and criminal investigations, cautioning against premature conclusions.
Police collaborate closely with the Law Office, while the Electronic Crime Sub-Directorate and Forensic Science Service handle detailed analyses.
Cyprus News Agency confirmed Sunday that specialised foreign teams will support these ongoing efforts.
Deputy spokesman flags manipulation
Speaking Saturday, Deputy Government Spokesperson Giannis Antoniou revealed prior warnings from EU partners in Brussels about potential hybrid threats, linked to Cyprus’ impending presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Antoniou described the video as genuine footage blended with edited audio and visuals, showing “serious indications” of deliberate manipulation and coordinated propaganda designed to erode President Nikos Christodoulides’ credibility.
He called the rush by some to embrace its narrative “unfortunate,” stressing careful management given Cyprus’ pivotal EU role.
DIKO leadership reacts swiftly
The controversy escalated politically Saturday evening when the Democratic Party (DIKO), the largest party backing the government, convened an extended leadership meeting to evaluate impact and unify messaging.
This followed an informal session at the Presidential Palace where President Christodoulides briefed DIKO leader Nikolas Papadopoulos. Sources report the president shared intelligence assessments pointing to a hybrid attack with potential foreign involvement, including a possible Russian element.
Despite the update, DIKO leaders are said to demand additional measures: closer examination of the Presidential Office Director’s ongoing position and reforms to the management of a specific state fund mentioned in the video.
Lakkotrypis cooperates with police
Former Energy Minister George Lakkotrypis, appearing in the video, voluntarily provided a formal statement to police alongside submitted materials now undergoing evaluation.
Authorities confirm the investigation encompasses the video in its entirety, the originating social media account (“Emily Thompson” per prior reports), and all associated connections. Police stressed the probe’s specificity and continuity but offered no timeline or details on questioning others featured.
Government spokespeople consistently portray the matter as intertwined criminal and national-security concerns, warning that hasty public judgments risk magnifying any orchestrated disinformation campaign ahead of EU presidency duties.
Source: Kathimerini
Also read: “Emily Thompson”: the X user behind the corruption leak
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