The ‘Sandy’ affair has sparked significant attention as lawyer Nicos Clerides confirms that the woman at the centre of the controversy admitted to fabricating messages using a mobile application. This revelation comes as investigations continue into allegations made by journalist Makarios Drousiotis, which involve a network of senior Cypriot judicial, political, and financial figures.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
- Should 'Sandy's' claims be validated by Europol examinations, police will be tasked with determining the motive for the fabrication and whether anyone directed her actions.
Clerides stated that ‘Sandy’ told police she created the messages in response to inquiries he had made about specific public officials, including the Attorney General and several ministers, whom she alleged were part of a brotherhood. “She says that I was asking her questions when she was giving me this information about important figures in society,” Clerides explained during an interview on ANT1. He noted that ‘Sandy’ claimed to research these individuals online and then sent back messages that appeared to be genuine communications.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
However, Clerides strongly disputed her account, asserting that the timeline of events does not align with her claims. “For this story to work it would need some time. I was receiving the messages in real time. In other words, the claims are rubbish,” he asserted. He suggested that ‘Sandy’s’ admission may be part of a cover-up, alleging she was influenced by unnamed individuals who do not want the truth to emerge.
In the context of the ongoing investigation, a search warrant was executed by police to locate a phone that ‘Sandy’ supposedly handed to Clerides for safekeeping in 2020. Clerides denied ever possessing such a device. He expressed his willingness for a thorough search, stating, “I hope you find it if such a phone exists, because that phone is a treasure for all of us.” He further claimed that the phone sought by police is not the original but a device that had applications installed in 2026, suggesting that messages were fabricated retrospectively.
Police have secured a retention order for two of Clerides’ mobile phones, with a forensic copy made of a third. In response to the investigation, Clerides plans to file a certiorari application, seeking compensation from the Republic for what he considers a breach of professional confidentiality due to the search of his devices.
According to reports from Phileleftheros, investigators obtained approval from the Attorney General’s office on Holy Thursday to apply for the search warrant, which was filed in court the following evening and executed on Holy Saturday morning. It has been reported that investigators were looking for an application that can create fake SMS messages based on ‘Sandy’s’ testimony. The publication has also delivered 156 files to the police, which include conversations where ‘Sandy’ discusses whether judges, lawyers, and politicians are involved in a brotherhood.
Should ‘Sandy’s’ claims be validated by Europol examinations, police will be tasked with determining the motive for the fabrication and whether anyone directed her actions.
As the investigation unfolds, the health of Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Giorgos Mylonakis has raised concerns. He was hospitalised and intubated following a serious health incident attributed to a brain aneurysm. Reports indicate that Mylonakis underwent a successful embolisation procedure. His name has also surfaced in relation to the ‘Sandy’ affair, as he has been implicated by Drousiotis and had recently announced legal action against the journalist.
Justice Minister Costas Fytiris is expected to provide an update to the Council of Ministers next week regarding the investigation’s progress and discuss the potential appointment of an independent criminal investigator.
