EditCyprus MEP Fidias Panayiotou under EPPO Investigation for alleged misuse of EU funds
Cypriot influencer-turned-MEP denies knowledge of probe into luxury Limassol villa rental claimed as 'political office'
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has opened an investigation into Cypriot Member of the European Parliament Fidias Panayiotou over allegations of misusing EU funds, according to reports from Cypriot media and confirmed by multiple sources including Politis, the EUalive partner in Cyprus.
The probe centers on claims that Panayiotou, an independent MEP and former YouTube star who won a surprise seat in the 2024 European elections with strong social media support, improperly used parliamentary allowances to rent a luxury villa in Limassol. The property, reportedly costing €5,000–€6,000 per month, was declared as “offices” for his parliamentary duties but allegedly served as a private holiday residence and venue for social events and parties.
The case originated from anonymous complaints filed about two months ago with Cyprus’s Independent Authority Against Corruption. After conducting its own inquiry, the authority forwarded the evidence to the EPPO, which is now handling the matter in cooperation with the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). The EPPO is the EU body tasked with investigating and prosecuting offences against the bloc’s financial interests, including fraud involving EU funds such as MEP allowances for offices, staff, and travel.
Panayiotou, speaking in Strasbourg on 20 January, denied having received any official notification of the investigation. He dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and promised to address them in detail via a video on his social media channels in the coming days. “I was not aware of any such probe,” he stated, according to reports in In-Cyprus and POLITICO.
The MEP’s office expenses – including rental costs – are funded through the European Parliament’s general expenditure allowance and other budgets intended strictly for parliamentary work. Misclassifying a private residence as an office could constitute fraud or embezzlement if proven, potentially exposing EU taxpayer money to personal benefit.
Panayiotou, who often goes by his first name “Fidias,” rose to prominence as a viral YouTuber known for challenges and stunts before entering politics as an independent. His election in June 2024 drew attention for leveraging social media influence without traditional party backing. Since taking office, he has faced scrutiny over various actions, including a controversial trip to Moscow in May 2025 for Russia’s Victory Day celebrations (which prompted a separate European Parliament review), his stance on Ukraine, and earlier questions about hiring family members.
No formal charges have been filed, and the investigation remains in its early stages. The EPPO and OLAF have not issued public comments, which is standard during ongoing probes. If substantiated, the allegations could lead to financial penalties, repayment demands, or even criminal proceedings, further complicating Panayiotou’s tenure in Brussels and Strasbourg.
This development adds to ongoing debates about transparency in MEP funding and the use of EU resources by non-traditional politicians. The European Parliament has faced repeated calls for stricter oversight of allowances, with similar cases involving other MEPs in recent years.
Caption: MEP Fidias Panayiotou on 10 July 2025 [European Parliament Multimedia Centre]
Updated: January 21, 2026 - 08:01
