Former energy minister George Lakkotrypis is under investigation by the tax office following revelations linked to the videogate affair, raising questions over undeclared income, post ministerial employment breaches and potential lobbying offences.

The tax department has launched an audit after Lakkotrypis acknowledged receiving €15,000 for energy consultancy services from individuals later revealed to be behind the covertly recorded video.

References in the footage to payments made “only in cash” triggered immediate concern, although Lakkotrypis has since told police he was paid by bank transfer.

Tax authorities are examining whether the consultancy income was properly declared and whether value added tax obligations were met.

VAT evasion constitutes a criminal offence, carrying penalties of fines up to three times the amount owed, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.

The audit reportedly extends several years back and may be widened to include members of his family.

Tax commissioner Sotiris Markides said only that “any issue within the department’s competence that comes to public attention is examined”.

Parallel to the tax probe, investigators are assessing whether Lakkotrypis breached legislation governing post ministerial employment.

After resigning in July 2020, he was subject to a two-year hiatus requiring approval from an independent committee before undertaking private sector work related to his former portfolio.

Authorities are examining whether such approval was sought or granted.

In the video, Lakkotrypis appears acting as an energy consultant, a role prohibited during that period.

Breaches of the law can result in fines of up to €30,000 and prison sentences of up to three years.

Investigators are also reviewing potential conflicts of interest linked to reports that Lakkotrypis served in 2021 on the board of a company active in the copper and aluminium sector, part of a group with energy interests.

The case further extends to possible violations of lobbying legislation.

In the video, Lakkotrypis meets purported investors representing the non-existent Stratix Wealth.

He is not registered in the lobbying registry maintained by the independent anti-corruption authority.

Under the law, engaging in decision making processes without registration is a criminal offence punishable by up to one year in prison, a €10,000 fine, or both.

Police sources confirmed that Lakkotrypis submitted flight tickets, hotel records and bank transaction evidence relating to three meetings held in Amsterdam and London.

He identified a lawyer, Markus Baumgartner, as the intermediary who introduced him to Florin Georghiou, presented as a Stratix Wealth representative seeking to invest €150 million in Cyprus’ energy sector.

The authority has examined the video but confirmed it cannot conduct a parallel investigation while criminal proceedings are underway, remaining in contact with the legal service.

Separately, the House institutions committee began on Wednedsay to review the framework governing the post service activities of former officials.

Akel MP Irene Charalambidou and Independent MP Alexandra Attalides placed the issue on the agenda, seeking stronger oversight and safeguards against conflicts of interest in the wake of the scandal.