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Tag: forgery

  • Yiannis yiannaki — Former Commissioner Yiannis Yiannaki’s Case Moves to Higher Court

    Yiannis yiannaki — Former Commissioner Yiannis Yiannaki’s Case Moves to Higher Court

    yiannis yiannaki — The case of former Commissioner for Volunteering, Yiannis Yiannaki, is set to progress to a higher court following his conviction for using forged official documents to gain employment at the Cyprus Youth Organisation (ONEK). Yiannaki received a three-year prison sentence from the Nicosia District Court on 11 September, but recent developments indicate that the legal proceedings are far from over.

    On the morning of 11 October, Yiannaki’s lawyer, Petros Stavrou, submitted an appeal against the length of the sentence imposed by Senior District Judge Nicole Gregoriou. Although specific details regarding the legal arguments for the appeal have yet to be disclosed, experts suggest that the focus will likely be on the consecutive sentences issued for two separate instances of document forgery occurring in 1995 and 1996.

    Meanwhile, ONEK is actively exploring options to reclaim the salary Yiannaki received during his tenure, which was based on the falsified documents he admitted to using. With Yiannaki suspended from his role for the last four years, the organisation’s board is now tasked with determining the next steps, including whether to pursue financial restitution.

    Constantina Achilleos, chair of the ONEK board, has confirmed that a legal opinion has been sought from the law firm A&A C. Emilianides, C. Katsaros and Associates LLC. This opinion aims to clarify the termination of Yiannaki’s services and the possibility of recovering the salary he received, which totals approximately €76,800 over his suspension period. Achilleos noted that this decision aligns with the board’s responsibility to ensure the organisation’s integrity.

    In the spring of 2022, police recommended 18 charges against Yiannaki, including financial offences related to obtaining money under false pretences. Investigators estimated that the total amount involved could reach €250,000, reflecting the salary he accrued while employed at ONEK under false pretences. However, the Legal Service did not address these financial charges in the indictment, raising concerns among legal experts about the implications for any potential civil action by ONEK.

    The situation remains complex, as the Attorney General’s office has not provided clear explanations for omitting these charges. Legal specialists warn that a conviction for financial offences might have facilitated ONEK’s ability to reclaim funds, as such a ruling would bolster their position in a civil case.

    Yiannaki’s case, which first came to light in May 2022, included eight charges of forgery and circulation of forged documents. He pleaded guilty to three charges last April, while the Attorney General suspended the remaining charges in August. As the case transitions to higher judicial scrutiny, both Yiannaki’s legal team and ONEK’s board face critical decisions regarding the future of this contentious matter.

  • Corruption allegations — Marinos Sizopoulos Responds to Corruption Allegations: ‘I Discovered the Forgery Myself’

    Corruption allegations — Marinos Sizopoulos Responds to Corruption Allegations: ‘I Discovered the Forgery Myself’

    corruption allegations — Marinos Sizopoulos, the MP and former EDEK president, is fighting back against corruption allegations detailed in a report from the Independent Authority Against Corruption. He plans to address the claims involving himself and other shareholders of Taxan Properties, asserting his innocence and his role in uncovering the alleged wrongdoing.

    Sizopoulos informed Philenews of his upcoming trip abroad, after which he will hold a press conference to discuss the allegations in detail. “I will present all the evidence,” he stated, emphasising the importance of studying the report thoroughly before making further comments.

    Corruption allegations: Denial and Dispute Over Allegations

    In a series of statements to various media outlets, Sizopoulos has categorically denied any involvement in the alleged fraudulent activities. He claims to have been the one who discovered the signature forgery that has sparked the investigation, insisting that he reported the matter to the police.

    Legal Challenges Ahead

    When questioned about the possibility of the case progressing to court, Sizopoulos appeared unfazed, asserting, “no problem,” and reiterated that he possesses all necessary evidence. He also indicated his intention to challenge the authority’s jurisdiction regarding both the investigation and the publication of the report.

    Details of the Allegations

    The findings from the Independent Authority Against Corruption suggest that there may be serious criminal offences at play, including fraud, forgery, and conspiracy to defraud. This investigation is tied to a loan settlement deal involving a significant debt write-off of €956,900, with allegations that a signature belonging to an Iraqi investor was forged in the process.

    Sizopoulos’s statements reflect a strong commitment to clear his name and challenge the findings of the authority. As he prepares for his press conference, the political landscape in Cyprus watches closely, anticipating his next moves in this unfolding situation.