Philenews

Cyprus Presidential Campaign Funding Under Scrutiny After Leaked Video

Published January 8, 2026, 16:11
Cyprus Presidential Campaign Funding Under Scrutiny After Leaked Video

Former Energy Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis has filed a complaint with the Larnaca Crime Detection Department regarding a video circulating on social media. The video, featuring excerpts from conversations with Mr. Lakkotrypis, suggests that cash beyond the legal limit of €1 million was used during Nikos Christodoulides' 2023 presidential campaign, allegedly managed by his son-in-law, Charalambos Charalambous. Mr. Lakkotrypis claims the video is edited and his statements have been spliced together to distort their meaning and falsely portray him as admitting to illegal practices. According to reports, the video was recorded by individuals posing as representatives of an investment fund interested in investing €150 million in the energy sector. The video was published by a user named Emily Thompson, who identifies as an independent researcher. Philenews media outlet published the video, stating it does not endorse its content but presents it due to public interest and the ongoing police investigation. The incident has sparked political controversy in Cyprus, raising questions about the funding of Nikos Christodoulides' campaign and the potential involvement of illicit funds.