Takata: Disciplinary Inquiry Against Yiannis Nikolaidis Following Cabinet Decision

Following a decision by the Council of Ministers, an investigating officer is being appointed to conduct a disciplinary inquiry against Yiannis Nikolaidis regarding the deadly Takata airbags.

The decision was made after the Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeadis, briefed the Council on the findings of the Investigative Committee. Mr. Nikolaidis, former Deputy Director of the Ministry of Transport and current Director-General of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare, may be suspended pending the inquiry.

The report alleges potential criminal liabilities for manslaughter and abuse of power against Mr. Nikolaidis, with the police investigating the criminal aspect. The investigation focuses on the controversial 2017 circular, which allegedly relieved Manufacturers' Distributors (ΔτΚ) of responsibility for recalls of used vehicles, leaving owners of "grey" vehicles unprotected.

The Investigative Committee accuses Mr. Nikolaidis and Sotiris Kolettas of serious omissions and inaction despite warnings about the dangers of Takata airbags since 2013.

Three accidents in Cyprus are attributed to Takata airbags, including the deaths of Kyriakos Oxinos and Styliani Giorgalli.