The criminal investigator leading the Videogate investigation has concluded that the edited video was intended to damage the Republic of Cyprus, describing its claims as “empty rhetoric” and “nonsense” designed to create false impressions and generate personal financial gain.
Investigator Andreas Paschalides submitted his findings to the Attorney General, stating that the evidence gathered so far does not indicate any breach of the Criminal Code by the Cypriot individuals featured in the video.
Edited footage deemed unreliable
According to the report, the footage published on 8 January 2026 was not authentic but had been edited, significantly undermining its evidentiary value.
The investigator said the material was the product of unconstitutional actions, rendering it inadmissible as evidence and of little, if any, probative value.
He noted that three Cypriot individuals appeared prominently in the footage – two known for their involvement in politics and one for activities in the business sector.
Possible hybrid attack against Cyprus
The report concludes that the apparent objective behind the video’s production was to damage the Republic of Cyprus rather than any private interests.
It also points to the timing of its release, noting that the edited footage was published one day after Cyprus assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
According to the findings, the video’s publication bore the hallmarks of a coordinated campaign originating from a specific country, continuing an operation that reportedly began in 2021 to target, among others, European Union member states. The report adds that the involvement of another country hostile to Cyprus cannot be ruled out.
The investigator also noted that different investment scenarios had been presented to the individuals featured in the video, which, at this stage of the investigation, do not appear to support the production company’s stated motives regarding its client.
As matters currently stand, the report concludes that the video can reasonably be viewed as a form of hybrid attack intended to harm the Cypriot state.
No evidence of wrongdoing over sanctions
The investigation also examined claims relating to the exclusion of a Russian oligarch from the European Union’s sanctions list.
According to the report, allegations by one of the Cypriot participants concerning improper government intervention, including possible personal involvement, were investigated thoroughly.
The inquiry extended to senior government officials but found no evidence of misconduct. Instead, the report concludes that the Cypriot authorities acted lawfully at all relevant times.
Source: CNA
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