The Independent Anti-Corruption Authority has shared the results of its investigation into water diversion from the Kouris River and fish farms in Trimiklini and Silikou. This comes after a ban on information disclosure was lifted.
The investigation looked at events from 2004 to now. It found potential criminal responsibilities for three people, including a former Minister, and disciplinary responsibilities for seven state officials from different government departments.
The former Minister is accused of approving water extraction from the Kouris River without proper checks. This led to contradictory and arbitrary decisions that might be abuse of power. Two former Department Directors are also accused of ignoring laws to issue a fish farm operation license before it opened, knowingly acting illegally.
The investigation highlighted serious gaps in inspections, careless approval of subsidies, and payments of €657,000 to companies without the needed licenses. Moreover, officials from the Limassol District Administration reportedly did nothing for six years, failing to act against illegal structures in the area.
The Report’s findings show a picture of administrative confusion, bureaucratic delays, and ‘virtual legality’, where formal procedures replaced real law enforcement — with the state seemingly seeing, hearing, and… ignoring.
The 275-page report is based on 55 hearings and 120 pieces of evidence. It has been approved by the Authority. The file is now with the Attorney General for criminal matters and relevant bodies for disciplinary actions.
