**NICOSIA** – A comprehensive report detailing potential criminal culpability concerning water extraction and an unauthorized fish farm situated near Trimiklini has been formally transmitted to the police for an exhaustive inquiry. The move by the attorney-general's office signifies a significant escalation in the protracted investigation, which has already involved the anti-corruption authority and sparked considerable public scrutiny regarding the pace of legal proceedings.
The crux of the matter revolves around allegations of impropriety in the granting of permits for water diversion from the Kouris river and the subsequent authorization of a fish farm in close proximity to the Trimiklini reservoir. These irregularities, flagged by the anti-corruption authority, have prompted a rigorous review by the attorney-general's office, which ultimately concluded that further police investigation was warranted. The authority's findings, presented to the attorney-general last month and received on December 22nd, were deemed substantial enough to necessitate a broader probe.
Sources within the attorney-general’s office confirmed to the Cyprus Mail on Friday that the report, accompanied by a considerable volume of supporting evidence, had been forwarded to the police. "We examined the report and we sent it to the police along with the evidence accompanying it," a representative stated, adding that the referral was specifically for "further investigation, as various aspects of the case are already under investigation." The sheer magnitude of the documentation was emphasized, with the representative noting, "The evidence is extensive. It is not just a box file. There is a lot."
This latest development brings renewed attention to a case that has languished in the public consciousness, particularly in light of recent criticisms directed at the Law Office for its perceived sluggishness in addressing such matters. The police, prior to the attorney-general’s referral, had already undertaken their own investigative efforts, collecting testimonies and compiling a report that was subsequently submitted to the chief of police. The anti-corruption authority’s report appears to build upon this existing foundation, highlighting specific areas where criminal liability might be established.
The ramifications of this investigation could be far-reaching, potentially impacting former agriculture minister Nicos Kouyialis and two former department heads who are understood to be among those whose conduct is under scrutiny. While the specifics of the alleged wrongdoing remain under wraps pending the police investigation, the irregular approval of water resources and the establishment of an unlicensed facility point towards a serious breach of environmental and regulatory protocols. The case has also drawn in other political figures, with MP Irene Charalambides and Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou having previously been mentioned in connection with inquiries or related administrative actions. The Auditor-General's office has also been involved in reviewing aspects of the case.
The immediate objective, as articulated by the attorney-general's office, is to expedite the police investigations. The aim is to meticulously examine the extensive evidence and definitively ascertain whether criminal charges are to be brought forward. The protracted nature of this inquiry underscores the complexity of official investigations and the rigorous evidentiary standards required to establish criminal liability, especially in cases involving high-profile individuals and potentially significant environmental and financial implications. The outcome of this police-led investigation will be keenly watched as it seeks to provide closure and accountability in the Trimiklini fish farm saga.