Synopsis
A private Israeli intelligence firm, Black Cube, has admitted its role in a sting operation in Cyprus. The operation targeted state officials and private interests. Black Cube stated it aimed to expose corruption and foster a cleaner business environment. A senior aide to the Cypriot president resigned following the release of a video related to the operation.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 said it was involved in the preparation of the video. In a statement to Cypriot media, and also sent to Reuters, Black Cube said 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 was no immediate comment from the Cypriot government.
Black Cube said 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 on Friday.
Founded by veterans of Israeli intelligence units in 2011, Black Cube came to prominence in 2017 after it apologised for undercover operations on behalf of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who was accused of sexual harassment by more than 50 women.
Weinstein denies assaulting anyone or having non-consensual sex.
In March, Slovenia's Prime Minister Robert Golob accused 'foreign services' of interfering with the country's elections following a report by a non-governmental organisation that executives of Black Cube had visited the country nL6N4050QH in December.
