Statement by the General Secretary of AKEL Stefanow Stefanou on the black surveillance van
15 September 2026, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
The case of the black spy van, which the Legal Service is stubbornly covering up, is a clear-cut case of institutional corruption and entanglement of the Anastasiades–DISY government.
The evidence submitted to Parliament and before the Court reveal the operation of a system capable of mass illegal surveillance and wiretapping. It also shows that the activities of the black spy van were known to state authorities and officials.
However, criminal proceedings against the key figures were suspended by the Legal Service on the grounds of an unspecified “public interest”. And after the Legal Service had shut the door on any further investigation of the case by the Anti-Corruption Authority, the Attorney General stepped in to declare that the case was closed.
In short, those who had the responsibility and duty to uphold the rule of law have become the guardians of inaction and cover-ups.
This now raises the inescapable question: who is governing this country?
Why is such a serious case of surveillance and illegal wiretapping not being investigated to its conclusion?
Why is the investigation into the possible involvement of the Deputy Attorney General in this case being obstructed, a matter which the Anti-Corruption Authority had intended to investigate, according to its announcement today?
Why are the special investigator’s findings still gathering dust in some drawer, despite the recommendations of the European Parliament Committee that investigated the scandal?
These crucial questions lead to the conclusion that much is being concealed regarding the activities of the surveillance van, with the Legal Service playing a leading role in this. The silence of the Christodoulides government, meanwhile, is revealing of the political cover it is providing for the actions of the Attorney General’s Office.
There is a profound crisis of institutions.
It should be recalled that in Greece, prison sentences were imposed for the very same case, involving the same key figures and for similar offences.
The Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General must take responsibility for the decisions and actions of the Legal Service.
If they cannot ensure that the case will be investigated independently, thoroughly and without interference, then they must resign.
AKEL will not allow this case to be swept under the carpet.
It will raise the issue for debate in the House of Representatives once again, as this concerns the credibility of the institutions underpinning the rule of law, national security and the protection of citizens’ personal data.
We demand:
- That the case of the black surveillance van be reopened,
- That the findings of Ilias Stefanou be made public immediately,
- That all aspects of the case and all possible political, state and other connections be investigated
