The preparatory work for the granting of investigative powers to the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority is progressing through a relevant bill which the Authority is expected to promote, with the aim of obtaining the possibility of appointing criminal investigators and then transmitting the case file to the Attorney General. The development was announced before the Parliament by the member of the Authority, Nikos Zampakidis, during the discussion of its budget for 2027.
Mr. Zampakidis, who replaced the Commissioner for Transparency, Haris Pogiatzis, at the session, said that the issue is progressing, noting at the same time that doubts had been raised by various persons as to the constitutionality of the concession of such powers to the Authority. As he mentioned, there will be further information as soon as the preparatory works are completed, while according to what was heard before the Finance Committee, a first meeting has already been held between the Legal Service and the Anti-Corruption Authority.
Answering questions from MP Savvia Orfanidou about the investigative powers and the publication of the findings, Mr. Zampakidis explained that the Authority is currently conducting preliminary investigations. Where it is established that criminal offences may arise, the case is referred to the Prosecutor General.
What the Authority seeks, he added, is to be able to appoint criminal investigators, so that investigations can be carried out and then the file is forwarded to the Attorney General.
Asked whether the publication of the findings created problems in relation to the witnesses and the witness material, Mr. Zampakidis referred to the reluctance shown by witnesses in certain cases. "We observe some concern on the part of the witnesses," he said, noting that, where the Authority expected more comfort from the witnesses to speak, it finds some hesitancy.
He stressed, however, that the Authority is sure that publicity has not negatively affected the process. He added that in cases that have attracted great public interest, such as the "Mafia State", its findings could not be concealed or made public.
He also made special reference to anonymous complaints, which, as he said, are more than named ones, as people are still hesitant to report named incidents.
Answering a question about the handling of anonymous emails containing complaints, he clarified that such cases are being examined. However, when a complaint is completely anonymous and is not accompanied by any evidence, the Authority cannot proceed with a substantial investigation, he said.
943 complaints until September 30, 2026
According to the data provided by Mr. Zampakidis, by September 30, 2026, a total of 943 complaints had been submitted to the Authority. Of these, 673 had been completed and 270 were pending. An investigation was conducted into 19 complaints, with 11 investigations completed and eight remaining pending.
Regarding staffing, the Authority points out that the continuous increase in complaints makes it imperative to hire permanent staff, with Mr. Zampakidis stating that 22 positions have been given in the budget with 16 already approved, another 6 are expected, of which 4 for lawyers and the other 2 for transparency officers.
Referring to the briefing on the role and responsibilities of the Authority, Mr. Zampakidis recounted an incident that was told to him by a student in their meeting. As he said, the young man described that when he was a child and had broken his leg, he waited a long time in the hospital. After his mother went inside and talked to someone, they called him to pass. Based on what he heard at the briefing, the student wondered whether this incident was a form of corruption, with Mr. Zampakidis stating that this is also a form of corruption.
Almost €2 million the budget
For 2027, the Authority's budget amounts to €1,924,419, reduced by €73,347 compared to €1,997,766 in 2026. In the Medium-Term Financial Framework, the projected expenditure amounts to €1,876,267 for 2028 and €1,939,125 for 2029.
The largest fund, amounting to €960,000 or 49.89% of the total budget, concerns service contracts and is reduced by €147,000 compared to 2026. It includes the fees of investigating officers and administrative, legal and secretarial associates, as well as stenotyping, service, summonses and translation services.
What the Authority seeks, he added, is to be able to appoint criminal investigators, so that investigations can be carried out and then the file is forwarded to the Attorney General.
Asked whether the publication of the findings created problems in relation to the witnesses and the witness material, Mr. Zampakidis referred to the reluctance shown by witnesses in certain cases. "We observe some concern on the part of the witnesses," he said, noting that, where the Authority expected more comfort from the witnesses to speak, it finds some hesitancy.
He stressed, however, that the Authority is sure that publicity has not negatively affected the process. He added that in cases that have attracted great public interest, such as the "Mafia State", its findings could not be concealed or made public.
He also made special reference to anonymous complaints, which, as he said, are more than named ones, as people are still hesitant to report named incidents.
Answering a question about the handling of anonymous emails containing complaints, he clarified that such cases are being examined. However, when a complaint is completely anonymous and is not accompanied by any evidence, the Authority cannot proceed with a substantial investigation, he said.
943 complaints until September 30, 2026
According to the data provided by Mr. Zampakidis, by September 30, 2026, a total of 943 complaints had been submitted to the Authority. Of these, 673 had been completed and 270 were pending. An investigation was conducted into 19 complaints, with 11 investigations completed and eight remaining pending.
Regarding staffing, the Authority points out that the continuous increase in complaints makes it imperative to hire permanent staff, with Mr. Zampakidis stating that 22 positions have been given in the budget with 16 already approved, another 6 are expected, of which 4 for lawyers and the other 2 for transparency officers.
Referring to the briefing on the role and responsibilities of the Authority, Mr. Zampakidis recounted an incident that was told to him by a student in their meeting. As he said, the young man described that when he was a child and had broken his leg, he waited a long time in the hospital. After his mother went inside and talked to someone, they called him to pass. Based on what he heard at the briefing, the student wondered whether this incident was a form of corruption, with Mr. Zampakidis stating that this is also a form of corruption.
Almost €2 million the budget
For 2027, the Authority's budget amounts to €1,924,419, reduced by €73,347 compared to €1,997,766 in 2026. In the Medium-Term Financial Framework, the projected expenditure amounts to €1,876,267 for 2028 and €1,939,125 for 2029.
The largest fund, amounting to €960,000 or 49.89% of the total budget, concerns service contracts and is reduced by €147,000 compared to 2026. It includes the fees of investigating officers and administrative, legal and secretarial associates, as well as stenotyping, service, summonses and translation services.
