Santi pseudonym figure addresses political and criminal case

The individual behind the pseudonym ‘Santi’, central to a case with political and criminal implications in Cyprus and Greece, has spoken publicly for the first time via a written statement to Cyprus Times. She admits to creating a fictional persona and acknowledges that the controversial messages sent were not authentic.

She denies allegations of being blackmailed, bribed, or used by third parties. According to her statement, her involvement began through discussions with lawyer Nikos Kleridis, which eventually evolved into her ‘playing the role’ of Santi. While she admits the persona became difficult to detach from, she did not clarify her original motives or the boundary between reality and fabrication.

Regarding her interactions with the media, she stated that her first contact with journalist Stelios Orfanidis occurred in 2020 through the mediation of Nikos Kleridis. She also addressed a meeting with journalist Makarios Drousiotis on April 26, 2023, at the Mall of Cyprus, stating she attended to hear what he knew about the case. She admitted to sending him a message at the suggestion of an unnamed individual.