trimiklini fish — The Trimiklini fish farm case is now under police investigation after an anti-corruption authority report flagged possible criminal liability. This report, which raised concerns over illegal water extraction and the operations of a fish farm near Trimiklini, has been referred to the police along with extensive evidence, according to a representative from the attorney-general’s office.
The investigation stems from findings submitted to the attorney-general’s office on December 22. The report implicated former agriculture minister Nicos Kouyialis and two former department heads, highlighting irregularities in the approval process for water extraction from the Kouris river and permits for the illegal fish farm.
“We examined the report and we sent it to the police along with the evidence accompanying it for further investigation,” the representative stated, noting that various aspects of the case are already under review. The police have gathered testimonies and drawn conclusions, and the evidence is described as extensive—far more than just a simple box file.
As the investigation progresses, no specific timeframe has been established for its conclusion. The attorney-general’s representative emphasised the goal of resolving the matter as soon as possible. This case has gained heightened attention recently, especially after MP Irene Charalambides publicly expressed concerns about the Law Office’s handling of the situation, accusing it of “selective inactivity.”
Charalambides’ criticism followed remarks made by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, who indicated that several government actions had not been adequately addressed by the Law Office. In response to these concerns, Charalambides submitted a parliamentary question, seeking clarification on decisions made during an October 2024 meeting at the Law Office, which was attended by the current agriculture minister.
The anti-corruption authority’s report, released on December 19, 2025, detailed the actions of Kouyialis and the two department heads, Loizos Loizides and Kostas Hadjipanayiotou. It pointed out that Kouyialis had approved a special appeal allowing water extraction from the Kouris river upstream of the Trimiklini reservoir without adhering to proper procedures. Furthermore, he directed water supply directly from the dam without a formal request.
The report also highlighted that the two department heads had issued licences for the illegal fish farm, stating they had knowingly bypassed legislation and regulations. It accused them of abusing their positions to coordinate the issuance of the necessary permits, reflecting a serious breach of their duties.
In total, the report indicated potential criminal liability for Kouyialis, Loizides, Hadjipanayiotou, and seven other individuals, some of whom are implicated in multiple cases. As the police investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and addressing the serious allegations raised by the anti-corruption authority.