NICOSIA, Cyprus — The director of the Cypriot presidential office, Charalambos Charalambous, has resigned from his position following the emergence of a controversial online video alleging corruption within President Nikos Christodoulides’ inner circle. The video, which surfaced on social media platforms, purportedly shows Charalambous—who is also the president’s brother-in-law—alongside a former energy minister and a prominent construction executive discussing their ability to secure foreign investments through their presidential connections.
President Christodoulides accepted the resignation in what he characterized as an act of “self-confidence and trust” that the allegations would ultimately prove unfounded. In an official statement, the president praised Charalambous’ work ethic and integrity, describing his departure as “a loss of a valuable aide” during efforts to upgrade the country’s standing.
The video contains multiple serious allegations, including claims that Christodoulides exceeded campaign finance limits during his 2023 presidential bid by accepting off-the-books cash donations. Most notably, it suggests the Cypriot government would intervene to block EU sanctions against Russian oligarchs in exchange for corporate payments.
Cypriot authorities have denounced the video as a sophisticated disinformation campaign bearing “all the hallmarks” of previous Russian operations. According to an initial analysis by the Cyprus Security Services, the 8½-minute video exhibits characteristics consistent with organized Russian disinformation campaigns known as ‘Doppelganger’—a tactic previously employed against other EU nations, the United States, and Israel.
The timing of the video’s release has raised suspicions among Cypriot officials, coming just one week after Cyprus assumed the rotating presidency of the European Union. President Christodoulides revealed that the EU had previously warned Cyprus about potential “hybrid” attacks during its presidency term. He confirmed that EU member states and other international partners are assisting in the investigation.
Despite these explanations, opposition parties have launched scathing criticisms against the administration, arguing the video has revived concerns about systemic government corruption that have plagued Cyprus in the past. The scandal has created political turbulence for Christodoulides’ government as it begins its EU leadership role.