In the realm of digital security, the unfolding drama surrounding Santinomo and Finsol, both tied to the notorious Intellexa, architect of the insidious Predator spyware, has captured the attention of surveillance agencies in Cyprus.
In a startling revelation, Cypriot newspaper O Fileleftheros divulged on Friday that a consortium of watchdogs, including the Cypriot Anti-Money Laundering Authority (MOKAS), Cyprus Police, and the Cyprus Bar Association, has launched a comprehensive investigation into Santinomo and Finsol. Their mission? To delve into the intricate web of shareholders, executives, and staff, in pursuit of evidence regarding a suspected “virtual share transfer” scheme. At the heart of this inquiry lies a grave accusation: the clandestine concealment of involvement in the far-reaching Predator spyware scandal. This scandal, which has sent shockwaves through Greece and beyond, centers on the illicit surveillance of politicians, journalists, businessmen, and activists. As the spotlight intensifies on these enigmatic entities, the true extent of their connection to this global controversy may soon come to light.
The latest developments in Cyprus come on the heels of punitive sanctions levied by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) against Intellexa and its key stakeholders, Tal Dilian and Sara Hamou. This transatlantic ripple effect underscores the gravity of the situation, signaling a coordinated effort to hold those implicated in the Predator spyware scandal to account.
At the heart of these unfolding events lies a scrutinized case of virtual transactions, purportedly orchestrated by Finsol in the aftermath of US sanctions. With the intensity of investigation mounting, members of the Compliance and Supervision Department of the Cyprus Bar Association descended upon Finsol’s headquarters in Nicosia. Their mission was to probe employees and secure crucial documentation. As the dust settles, all eyes are on the imminent report expected to be compiled by the competent department and destined for review by the administrative board of the Cyprus Bar Association. This pivotal document promises to shed light on the case.
Depending on the findings, the administrative officials of the Cyprus Bar Association will decide on the further handling of the case, including disciplinary measures or, importantly, whether to refer the case to the Police for criminal investigation.
The investigation into the “virtual share transfer” case has expanded beyond the Cyprus Bar Association’s purview, attracting the interest of Cyprus’ Unit for Combating Money Laundering (MOKAS). Without delay, MOKAS referred the matter to the Economic Crime Prosecution Subdivision of the Cyprus Police. With determination, these authorities are thoroughly probing the suspected “virtual share transfer” scheme. Since early April, MOKAS has been diligently providing information to support the investigation, underscoring their commitment to uncovering the truth behind this complex financial maneuvering.
As reported by O Fileleftheros, the ongoing investigations delve deep into the labyrinthine operations of Finsol, a company steered by a Greek lawyer who is also registered with the Cyprus Bar Association. This intriguing convergence of jurisdictions has propelled Cypriot authorities to the forefront of scrutiny as they grapple with the intricacies of overseeing the lawyer’s professional conduct. Yet Finsol’s role extends far beyond mere administrative functions, particularly in its ties with the Cypriot company Santinomo. With Santinomo holding a substantial 35% stake in Intellexa, the stakes are high, amplifying the significance of their association within this intricate narrative.
The plot thickens with the emergence of suspicious activities mere days after the US OFAC’s imposition of stringent measures against Intellexa in early March. An unsettling series of entries surfaced in Santinomo’s records at the Cyprus Companies Registrar, directly implicating Finsol. Among the irregularities, a belated filing by Santinomo Limited, disclosing predated changes in its administrative structure a staggering 39 months after the fact, raised eyebrows. Adding to the intrigue, an individual allegedly linked to Santinomo’s management disavowed to the Greek investigation news outlet Inside Story any knowledge of his purported involvement, fueling speculation and intensifying scrutiny.
The flurry of activity surrounding these developments has sparked legal quandaries, prompting both individuals and journalists dealing with the scandal of illegal surveillance through Predator to officially petition MOKAS and the Cyprus Bar Association for clarification. The concerns raised, coupled with growing public interest, have elevated the issue to the forefront of attention, which has extended beyond Cyprus and is garnering significant traction in Greece. As the spotlight intensifies, the pressure mounts for authorities to provide transparency and address the lingering questions surrounding the legality of these actions.
