**NICOSIA, CYPRUS** – The Cyprus Intelligence Service (KYP) has identified a recently surfaced video, purportedly depicting corruption, as a sophisticated "hybrid operation" orchestrated by Russia, designed to destabilise the current administration. The footage implicates former minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis and presidential aide Charalambos Charalambous, aiming to sow discord by suggesting the Christodoulides government engaged in illicit campaign financing and established a quid pro quo system for corporate favour.
The intelligence assessment, which has been corroborated by the Presidential Palace, points towards a deliberate effort to disseminate compromising material, commonly referred to as "kompromat," with the intention of discrediting key figures within the Cypriot government. The operation bears the hallmarks of the "Doppelganger" campaign, a Russian-linked disinformation network that has been active since 2021, employing tactics to manipulate public perception and undermine democratic institutions. Indicators of an Eastern European origin have reportedly been uncovered, bolstering the intelligence services' conclusions.
The controversial video purportedly illustrates instances of alleged impropriety involving Mr. Lakkotrypis, who served as a minister under a previous administration, and Mr. Charalambous, a current presidential aide. The narrative being pushed by the disinformation campaign is that the Christodoulides administration purportedly received illegal cash donations to circumvent campaign spending limits and subsequently facilitated a "pay-for-play" arrangement for corporate entities.
In response to the allegations, Mr. Lakkotrypis formally provided a detailed statement and supporting documentation to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters on Friday afternoon. Sources indicate that Mr. Lakkotrypis was allegedly lured into a sting operation by a purported €150 million investment opportunity in the energy sector, presented by Dutch funds purportedly associated with fake investors. This proactive step by the former minister underscores the seriousness with which the alleged implicatons are being treated.
The investigation into the origin of the video upload has been significantly escalated, involving specialised units at Police Headquarters, including the Cybercrime Division and the Forensic Science Department. These units are meticulously examining digital documents and metadata associated with the digital account, identified as "Emily Thompson," which is believed to have been instrumental in disseminating the compromising material. The forensic analysis is crucial in tracing the digital footprint of the operation and identifying the ultimate perpetrators.
This incident represents a significant escalation in the perceived threat of foreign interference in Cypriot affairs. The meticulous nature of the alleged disinformation campaign, coupled with its direct targeting of high-profile individuals and the nation's political leadership, highlights the evolving tactics employed by hostile actors. The Cypriot authorities are committed to thoroughly investigating the matter, aiming to not only debunk the false narrative but also to bolster national security measures against future hybrid threats. The swift and organised response from the intelligence and law enforcement agencies demonstrates a robust determination to safeguard the integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.