Cyprus Investigates ‘Presidential Bribes’ Video as Russian-Style Hybrid Attack

08:25 10/1/2026 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Cypriot authorities have intensified their investigation into a secretly recorded video alleging high-level corruption, branding the footage a "hybrid attack" that bears the hallmarks of a coordinated foreign disinformation campaign.

The video, which surfaced on social media, purportedly shows former Energy Minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis, the head

of the president’s office, Charalambos Charalambous, and businessman Giorgos Chrysochoos discussing "pay-for-access" schemes.

The narrated clip claims President Nikos Christodoulides bypassed campaign spending caps using off-the-books cash from investors.

Government officials vehemently rejected the allegations as fabrications constructed through malicious editing.

Security experts cited by local media warned the incident resembles the "Doppelganger" campaign—a Russian-linked disinformation operation known for targeting EU nations with deceptive audiovisual content to erode trust in democratic institutions.

“This is a classic 'kompromat' tactic designed to assassinate character without evidence,” a presidency source said, noting the video was released just days after Cyprus assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Authorities are analyzing the social media accounts responsible for distributing the footage, finding indicators of automated "bot" networks.

While no specific state actor has been formally named, officials stated that the sophistication of the operation points to foreign interference intended to destabilize Cyprus at a critical diplomatic juncture.

Mr. Lakkotrypis and Mr. Charalambous have denied wrongdoing, while the government urged the public to remain vigilant against manipulated media aimed at polarizing the electorate.

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