The Cyprus Intelligence Service (CIS) has launched an investigation following allegations that a police officer made threats against a social media user, with the service taking immediate action after the complaint emerged.
Security service sources told Phileleftheros that a proper investigation has been conducted regarding claims against the police officer, who was previously seconded to the Cyprus Intelligence Service.
The CIS became involved from the moment allegations against the police force member were made public, sources confirmed.
Officer’s secondment terminated following complaint investigation
Specific actions were taken the day after the complaint was publicised. The police officer’s secondment to CIS was terminated, with the officer reassigned to regular police duties.
This development was attributed to efforts to protect both CIS and the officer herself due to the disclosure of her identity.
The case gained prominence on Monday, 25 August, when lawyer Alekos Argyrou, acting on behalf of Nicoletta Andreou-Tsikkini, filed a complaint with the parliamentary Human Rights Committee chairwoman, Irene Charalambidou, regarding threats his client received from a police member.
In the lawyer’s public letter, he noted his client received a threatening message on 19 August 2025 from a police member “making a public comment on my client’s social media post”. According to the complaint, the police member was serving with the Cyprus Intelligence Service.
Social media critic reveals officer’s identity
Nicoletta Tsikkini, who regularly criticises officials through her social media accounts, revealed the police officer’s name and exact role on Wednesday, 20 August, also publishing a photograph of the officer with her husband.
Tsikkini claimed the police officer commented under her disputed post, “Shut up before I start airing your dirty laundry in public”.
Following disclosure of the officer’s identity and role, she left CIS and was reassigned to the Aliens and Immigration Service, as reported on 27 August.
The case raises two key issues
The case raises two issues: the complaint regarding threats from a police force member seconded to CIS and the disclosure of the officer’s identity whilst serving with the Cyprus Intelligence Service. Under certain circumstances, revealing the identity of a CIS member is subject to criminal investigation under existing legislation.
Parliamentary committee to discuss case in closed session
Parliamentary Human Rights Committee chairwoman Irene Charalambidou has announced the case will be discussed on 15 September, with CIS head Tasos Tzionis expected to be invited to the committee session.
Such a session would be held behind closed doors due to the classified nature of CIS operations.
Deputy Government Spokesman Yiannis Antoniou commented yesterday: “The President cannot be held responsible for actions or the arbitrary actions of anyone who supports anything… or consider this behaviour as methodical, orchestrated by the Presidential Palace, to monitor, to respond… For God’s sake”.
Police spokesperson Kyriaki Lambrianidou stated only that “the matter is being handled by the competent service,” indicating police view this as a security matter under CIS jurisdiction.