Israel’s Black Cube confirms involvement in exposing corrupt aide to Cypriot president

NICOSIA, Cyprus — A private spy firm founded by former members of Israeli intelligence has confirmed its involvement in a sting operation targeting state officials and private interests in Cyprus, saying it wanted to expose corruption.

A senior aide to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides resigned in January after a video posted online showed him discussing investment projects in Cyprus.

It also featured a businessman who suggested he had direct access to Christodoulides, and a former minister speaking of how to make donations to the government. Those who appeared in the eight-minute video have denied any wrongdoing.

Israeli firm Black Cube says it was involved in the preparation of the video. In a statement to Cypriot media, and also sent to Reuters, Black Cube says it was “proud” to have uncovered “corruption” and help facilitate a cleaner business environment on the island.

“Black Cube has engaged with Cypriot authorities and is confident they will reach the truth and bring those responsible to justice,” it said. It did not respond to a question from Reuters on who its clients were.

There is no immediate comment from the Cypriot government.

Black Cube says it obtains legal advice in every jurisdiction in which it operates to ensure the legality of its activities. Its involvement was first disclosed by Cyprus’s Politis newspaper yesterday.