The Independent Authority Against Corruption has issued a damning report on the long-running Trimiklini–Silikou case, recommending criminal prosecutions against a former minister and senior state officials over the diversion of water from the Kouris River and the operation of fish farms without proper legal cover.
According to the findings, the Authority recommends that criminal proceedings be initiated against former Minister of Agriculture Nicos Kouyialis, former Director of the Department of Environment Costas Chatzipanayiotou, and former Director of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research Loizos Loizides.
Scope and origins of the investigation
The ex officio investigation began in autumn 2023, following media reports and social media posts alleging illegal fish farming, unauthorised interventions in the Kouris River, unlawful use of state land, and the operation of catering and hospitality businesses without the required permits.
The Authority examined the actions of 12 state departments over a period extending from 2004 to the present, conducting 55 hearings and reviewing 120 pieces of evidence. The report was made public today after the lifting of a publication ban, due to the extensive publicity the case had already received.
Unlawful licensing and coordinated actions
The report attributes particularly serious responsibility to senior officials in key departments. At the material time, Mr Loizides was Director of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research and has since retired, while Mr Chatzipanayiotou served as Director of the Department of Environment.
According to the findings, Mr Loizides signed two licences for the establishment and operation of a fish farm, dated 13 October 2011 and 7 February 2013. The latter licence was issued after a letter was sent by Mr Chatzipanayiotou on behalf of the Department of Environment, which the Authority describes as illegal and entirely abusive.
During the investigation, Mr Loizides stated that had he not issued the licence, the fish farm would have continued operating illegally. This justification was firmly rejected by the Inspection Officer, who characterised both the statement and the actions taken as arbitrary, unjustified and abusive.
Licensing issued to legitimise an inauguration
The report further states that the licence of 7 February 2013 was issued following coordination between the two officials, as the fish farm was due to be inaugurated by the then Minister and needed to appear legally compliant.
The Authority concludes that, with full knowledge and intent, the officials bypassed all relevant legislation and regulations, abusing their positions as department heads to unlawfully issue the licence. Their actions are described as deliberate, coordinated and entirely outside the legal framework.
Potential criminal offences
According to the Inspection Officer, these actions may give rise to criminal liability for:
- Abuse of power, under Article 105 of the Criminal Code (Cap. 154), and
- Conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour, under Article 372 of the same Code.
Former minister also under scrutiny
The report also places under scrutiny the actions of the former Minister of Agriculture, citing potential criminal responsibility for abuse of power linked to the approval of water abstraction from the Kouris River without following lawful procedures or ensuring adequate oversight.
In addition, the Authority identifies serious disciplinary offences by officials across multiple departments, including inadequate inspections, unjustified delays, and the disbursement of European funds without sufficient safeguards to ensure legality.
The case file has already been forwarded to the Attorney General for the examination of potential criminal responsibilities, as well as to the competent authorities responsible for addressing disciplinary matters.