NICOSIA, Cyprus – A private intelligence company established by former Israeli operatives has acknowledged its role in an undercover investigation that targeted government officials and business figures in Cyprus, claiming the operation aimed to reveal corrupt practices.
The investigation led to the resignation of a top advisor to Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in January, following the online release of footage showing the aide discussing investment opportunities within the country.
The eight-minute recording also captured a business figure claiming to have direct connections to President Christodoulides, along with a former government minister explaining methods for making government donations. All individuals featured in the footage have maintained their innocence regarding any misconduct.
Black Cube, the Israeli intelligence firm, acknowledged its participation in creating the video evidence. Through a public statement distributed to Cypriot news outlets and Reuters, the company expressed being “proud” of revealing “corruption” and contributing to establishing improved business practices across the island nation.
“Black Cube has engaged with Cypriot authorities and is confident they will reach the truth and bring those responsible to justice,” the firm declared. When asked by Reuters about client identification, the company declined to provide details.
Cyprus government officials have not yet provided public responses to the revelations.
According to Black Cube, the firm seeks legal consultation in all operational territories to verify the lawfulness of its activities. The company’s participation was initially revealed by Cyprus’s Politis newspaper last Friday.
Established in 2011 by former Israeli intelligence personnel, Black Cube gained international attention in 2017 following public apologies for conducting covert operations supporting Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who faced sexual harassment allegations from over 50 women.
Weinstein continues to deny allegations of assault or non-consensual sexual conduct.
Last month, Slovenia’s Prime Minister Robert Golob criticized ‘foreign services’ for election interference after reports emerged that Black Cube executives had traveled to Slovenia in December, according to a non-governmental organization’s findings.
