A Member of the European Parliament from Cyprus is being investigated. His name is Fidias Panayiotou. The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) is looking into the case. They are checking claims about EU money. This money was meant for office costs. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) is also involved. This shows the claims are serious.
Reports came out this week. They are about Mr. Panayiotou. He is a popular influencer. He recently became an MEP. The main accusation is about a rented villa. It is in Limassol, Cyprus. It costs about €5,000 to €6,000 each month. This villa was wrongly called his office. There are also claims about his party's application. EU money might have been used for this.
Complaints were made to Cyprus. This was before the investigation became known. Now, European judicial bodies are looking at it. The Chief Prosecutor wants a quick investigation. This is so it can finish before the Cyprus elections in May. Mr. Panayiotou thinks this timing is for political reasons. He believes leaks are meant to affect the election.
Mr. Panayiotou said he has no official news. He was asked for a comment. He sent questions to the EPPO press office. He is waiting for official notice. He plans to make a video about the claims soon.
The EPPO investigation shows EU financial rules are strong. OLAF's involvement means fraud is taken very seriously. If the claims are true, it is a big problem. It means public money was misused. This breaks trust and rules for elected officials.