Black Cube admits covert sting in Greek Cyprus; aide quits after video, denials follow
Israeli private intelligence firm Black Cube has acknowledged running a covert operation in Greek Cyprus, saying it aimed to expose alleged corruption, after an online video preceded the January resignation of a senior aide to Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides.
The eight-minute video showed the aide discussing investment projects in Greek Cyprus. It also featured a businessman who suggested he had direct access to Christodoulides, and a former minister speaking about how to make donations to the government. Those who appeared in the footage have denied any wrongdoing.
Black Cube said it helped prepare the video. In a statement to Greek Cypriot media, also sent to Reuters, the firm said it was “proud” to have uncovered “corruption” and to have helped facilitate a cleaner business environment on the island. “Black Cube has engaged with Greek Cypriot authorities and is confident they will reach the truth and bring those responsible to justice,” it said.
The company said it seeks legal advice in every jurisdiction where it operates to ensure the legality of its activities. The firm did not respond to a Reuters question about who its clients were. There was no immediate comment from the Greek Cypriot administration.
Black Cube’s involvement was first reported by Greek Cyprus’s Politis newspaper on Friday. Founded in 2011 by veterans of Israeli intelligence units, Black Cube came to prominence in 2017 after it apologized 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 after a non-governmental organization reported that executives of Black Cube had visited Slovenia in December.
Black Cube’s acknowledgment and its stated engagement with Greek Cypriot authorities indicate the matter is now in official hands, though authorities have not publicly commented on any next steps.