Attorney General Giorgos Savvides has confirmed that the European Public Prosecutor’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation into the Vasilikos (LNG) terminal project.
The Attorney General intervened in public discourse following intense discussions in the House of Representatives and public statements regarding the controversial infrastructure project.
European prosecution prevents national criminal inquiry, Attorney General says
On 28 March 2024, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office formally notified Cyprus’s Law Office that it had commenced a criminal investigation under Article 26 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, the Attorney General stated.
The investigation examines potential criminal offences by the contracting authority, contractor, or other parties involved in the tender process and execution of the public contract for Cyprus’s LNG project.
Under Article 25 of the regulation, national authorities cannot conduct parallel investigations into the same criminal conduct when the European prosecution office assumes jurisdiction. National authorities would only be notified if aspects fall outside the European prosecutor’s competence.
The LNG terminal project has faced scrutiny over its procurement and implementation processes, with questions raised about regulatory compliance and potential irregularities in the contracting procedures.
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