Cypriot officials are investigating a controversial video. The video shows possible financial deals. It includes important people. A former minister is named. A senior official from the President's office is also involved. This has started a large inquiry. They have asked for international help. The government says it is a fake news campaign.
The video appeared on the X platform. It shows conversations. Giorgos Lakkotrypis, a former minister, is in it. Charalambos Charalambous, the President's office director, is also there. Giorgos Chrysochos, a business leader, is present too. A foreign investor is shown. A criminal investigation has started. Police are checking the video carefully.
Cypriot authorities want international experts. Teams from the US, Israel, UK, and France will help. Europol will also assist. They have forensic and technical skills. People in the video will be questioned. The former minister, Giorgos Lakkotrypis, has spoken to the police. He gave a statement and documents.
The government calls the video a "hybrid attack." Deputy Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou said it is disinformation. He thinks the video might be changed. Sound and pictures could be false. Some reports suggest Russia might be involved. However, opposition parties are not happy. The AKEL party criticizes the government. They say the focus on the video is a distraction. They want to address corruption claims.
The scandal affects people near the presidency. Philippa Karsera, the First Lady, resigned from charities. She said she faced personal attacks. She also mentioned fake news. An important meeting was called because of her resignation.
The investigation is looking at the video's source. They are checking the X account that posted it. Cyprus was warned about hybrid warfare before. This investigation is part of a bigger concern. The results are not yet known. However, the case is very important. If officials are found guilty, they will be fired.