Cyprus Intelligence Service (KYP) believes Russia made a video to cause problems. The video shows corruption. KYP calls it a "hybrid operation." The goal is to make the Cyprus government seem bad.
The video includes former minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis. It also names presidential aide Charalambos Charalambous. The video wants people to think the government took illegal money for campaigns. It suggests a system of favors for money.
Intelligence reports say this is a plan to spread bad information. This is called "kompromat." It aims to hurt important people in the government. The operation is like "Doppelganger," a Russian network from 2021. This network tries to change what people think.
The video shows Mr. Lakkotrypis and Mr. Charalambous. It says the government got illegal cash donations. This was to spend more money than allowed in campaigns. Companies allegedly paid for favors.
Mr. Lakkotrypis gave a statement and papers to the police. He was reportedly offered a €150 million investment. This was for energy. It seemed like a trap with fake investors.
Police are investigating the video's source. Special units are looking at computer files. They are examining the account "Emily Thompson." This account likely shared the bad information.
This event shows foreign countries are interfering in Cyprus. The plan was detailed. It targeted important people and leaders. Cyprus authorities will investigate fully. They want to stop fake news and protect the country.