A statement by the family’s attorney

Costas was found dead on the 9th of March 2005, one day before Vodafone CEO Mr. George Koronias went to the Prime Minister’s office to announce that conversations of the Prime Minister, top cabinet members and military brass were bugged through Vodafone facilities. Police initially ruled the death a suicide, even though a two-page highly technical e-mail he sent (at 04:20 a.m.) to mid-level and high-level company employees before his death (about 07:00 a.m.) has reportedly still not been assessed by the authorities.

I am certain that Costas Tsalikidis did not commit suicide, and that makes me believe he probably gained knowledge of the phone tapping through his diligence with all matters professional. An example of his character and professional initiatives occurred when the Vodafone network collapsed as a result of the September 1999 earthquake which killed over a hundred people in Athens. Vodafone had to choose whether to wait a few days to repair the network or press restart, since they were not able to make a quick decision, Costas took the initiative to restart it.

I have asked the Prosecutor as a legal counsel to the family of Costas Tsalikides to make all the necessary efforts to find the truth, including access to all of Costas’ electronic correspondence. Legally, Costas' electronic inbox and outbox is his property, making him at least a co-owner. I strongly believe that there is pertinent data on both his personal PC and the company computer, however as of April 2 none of these have been turned over.

According to his brother, Panagiotis, Costas submitted his resignation to Vodafone Senior Engineering Manager, Nikos Plevris, 20 days before his death. The resignation was strongly rejected by Vodafone, and he continued to go to work until his death. It was also confirmed that a stormy meeting had taken place at the company the day before his death.

He had also expressed great concerns to his fiancée over something wrong going on at the company. He did not mention the bugging or any illegal activity, but he said something very wrong was happening and that if it became public it would create havoc. He had also said to his fiancée the last days before his death, that his departure from the company was a matter of life and death.

Today, two months since the investigation has started, I thank you all for your support, assisting the Tsalikides family to insist on justice being done.

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