Focus on digital evidence and testimonies
The investigation, coordinated by the Cyprus Police, includes examination of mobile phones and electronic communications linked to several involved parties, including lawyer Nikos Clerides and investigative journalist Makarios Drousiotis.
Authorities are also reviewing claims made in public statements and sworn testimonies, as part of efforts to verify competing narratives.
Through the investigation carried out by the inquiry team appointed by the Chief of Police, evidence has emerged that sheds light on the reality surrounding “Sandy”, such as:
- She has one child, now a teenager, whose father is someone other than former judge Michalis Christodoulou, as was initially claimed.
- An investigation into Social Insurance records, as well as visits to doctors under the national health system (GHS), shows that the woman in question was employed in Cyprus in various private jobs between 2001 and 2023.
- She never worked at the Presidential Palace, as the investigation showed that in 2023, when it was claimed that “Sandy” had been employed near the President of the Republic through the involvement of the former judge, she was actually working in a shop in Nicosia. Her employers have been identified and have given relevant statements to investigators.
- Her father did indeed die by suicide when she was 25 years old, but not in the manner described (by electrocution in a bathtub) and not for the alleged reasons.
Police proceeded to search the premises of Nikos Clerides only after he delayed granting investigators access to his mobile phone and email account, in order to examine “Sandy’s” claims that she had given him her phone, which was used to create dozens of messages.
At the same time, investigators’ findings appear to have addressed significant issues arising from posts or statements by all parties involved. Given this, and as was clearly stated to the judge by the investigator, “the Police investigations are directed by the lines indicated by the daily emerging testimony”, it appears that everything remains under investigation, with the Police not taking a position.
This is also reflected in the offences under investigation, which include, in addition to the dissemination of false information (to be determined by the final investigation and by whom), interception of communications, corruption, and money laundering – very serious offences if proven.
Also under scrutiny is a recent photo released yesterday via a post by M. Drousiotis, allegedly showing “Sandy’s” injured hand, as it has already been confirmed that the image was found on the internet by “Sandy”. This is acknowledged today in a new post by Makarios Drousiotis. Both photos showing money and a joint account allegedly belonging to “Sandy” and the former judge were also sourced from the internet.
Applications and the missing device
From the examination of the 45-year-old woman’s two mobile phones, it clearly emerges that she had applications capable of creating fake messages and calls. These applications were installed before the first publication by M. Drousiotis, i.e. on 30 March.
Moreover, according to further investigation by Phileleftheros, “Sandy” stated in her testimony that she had previously had similar or the same applications, but when her phone broke, she replaced it. She also claimed in her third statement that the phone allegedly used to create the messages had been given to Nikos Clerides for safekeeping. This device has not been found, while Mr Clerides denies ever possessing it, and it was not located during the police investigation.
At present, the Police have in their possession and are examining the mobile phones of “Sandy”, N. Clerides, and the former judge, who stated that he has been using the same device for several years.
Meanwhile, next Monday the application of the legal team representing Nikos Clerides is expected to be submitted to the Supreme Court, requesting the issuance of a certiorari order to annul the search warrant executed at his premises. As is known, the search warrant was executed on Holy Saturday, with Mr Clerides protesting the way the Police acted. The “extraction” of messages and emails by investigators was carried out using keywords contained in the messages (such as “focus”, “Vgenopoulos”, etc.), in order to avoid retrieving unrelated material not connected to the case under investigation.
Court procedures and legal challenges
Legal representatives are expected to submit an application to the Supreme Court of Cyprus seeking to challenge a search warrant issued in connection with the investigation.
The warrant in question was executed earlier this month, prompting objections regarding the procedure followed during the search of professional premises.
Cabinet decision pending
A decision by the Council of Ministers is also expected next week on whether to appoint an independent criminal investigator, following a briefing from the Minister of Justice.
The final decision may depend on the outcome of ongoing technical assessments and international cooperation.
Also read: “Sandy” case: What police affidavit reveals in new developments
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