Criminal investigator granted two-month extension in Videogate inquiry

Independent criminal investigator Andreas Paschalides has been granted a two-month extension to conclude the investigation into the so-called 'Videogate' case. The probe focuses on footage posted on the platform X on January 8, 2026, by an account under the name 'Emily Thompson', which suggested corruption and illegal funding within the Presidential Palace. The decision was formalized during a meeting at the Attorney General's office, attended by the Police Chief and senior legal officials. Authorities confirmed that they have successfully secured the full, multi-hour video recording, which includes conversations previously only seen in short online excerpts. Investigators are currently evaluating the complete footage while continuing to process a large number of witness statements and evidence gathered from both Cyprus and abroad. The extension was deemed necessary to manage the complexity and scale of the ongoing evidentiary review.