The Auditor-General of Cyprus, Andreas Papaconstantinou, is now under investigation. This is because a photograph was leaked online. The picture showed him inspecting public buses secretly. He wore a wig, sunglasses, and a hat for disguise. The photo quickly spread on social media. Many people found it funny. However, it also raised serious questions about security. The Audit Office confirmed the photo was real. They also said the Auditor-General asked the police to investigate a security breach.
This unusual event is part of a larger plan by the Audit Office. The goal was to understand the condition of public buses. Teams of auditors have been riding on buses. They watched how things worked and what passengers experienced. The Auditor-General wore a disguise. This was to get an honest and fair report. They worried that people might act differently if they knew who he was. This could have changed the results of the inspection.
However, the leaked photo has changed the focus. People are now talking about the leak, not the audit. It seems the photo was taken from a computer screen. The information was on the Audit Office's secure network. The photo going viral means a criminal inquiry is needed. The police want to know how confidential material was taken and shared. This is embarrassing for an office that needs to be discreet and protect data.
Most people reacted to the incident with humor. Many social media users made jokes about his disguise. But there is also a serious discussion about government honesty. People are talking about how to check public services well. The Audit Office wants to bring the focus back to the audit's purpose. Yiota Michael said, "We wanted to see and experience the journey of citizens using the buses firsthand."
The Audit Office will use the information from these secret checks. They will write a report with their findings. The report will suggest ways to improve public transport. The leak caused a distraction. But it also shows how far the Audit Office will go for real information. The police investigation into the leak will be watched closely. This is important for security and confidentiality in Cyprus's main auditing office. The incident shows the challenges of new audit methods and digital sharing.