Police investigation into Takata airbags scandal

Cypriot police are conducting a criminal investigation into the Takata airbag scandal following fatalities linked to faulty equipment. Police spokesperson Christodoulos Konsolos confirmed that officers searched the Department of Road Transport (TOM) approximately one month ago to seize computers, documents, and files. This investigation follows the deaths of 24-year-old Kyriakos Oxinos on January 24, 2023, in Nicosia, and 19-year-old Styliani Georgalli on October 21, 2024, on the Avgorou-Frenaros road. While reports described the police action as a raid, officials characterized it as a standard investigative procedure carried out without prior notice. The investigation, which involves potential manslaughter charges, follows a report from an investigative committee published last July that expanded the scope of the inquiry and the list of suspects. Authorities stated that the investigation is complex due to the volume of material and the long history of the case, and they are prioritizing accuracy over speed to ensure a thorough process. There is no fixed timeline for the completion of the probe.