Bulgaria: Information on corruption and criminal activities within the army and on measures taken by the Bulgarian authorities
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 November 1997 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | BGR28313.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Bulgaria: Information on corruption and criminal activities within the army and on measures taken by the Bulgarian authorities, 1 November 1997, BGR28313.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6abb778.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The attached 11 January 1996 TRUD report provides information on thefts of army property committed by army personnel over a period of several years.
Reporting on the analysis made by the commander of the Bulgarian Army General Staff on the state of discipline in the Bulgarian army, the attached 18 January 1996 Khorizont Radio Network broadcast states that, in the opinion of the general, "the comprehensive situation in the country, characterized by crime and antisocial incidents, has been pointed out as an important factor that influences discipline in the Army."
The attached 14 may 1996 Kontinent article states that a special bill was passed to set up an army inspectorate which would "in addition to control over combat training ...[would] also deal with cases of corruption and other violations in the armed forces."
The attached 4 April 1996 Durzhaven Vesnik provides the FBIS translation of Resolution No. 77 of 8 April 1996 on the Adoption of a Regulation on the Organization and Activities of the Inspectorate Within the System of the Ministry of Defense.
The attached 30 August 1996 TRUD report carries an interview with the Bulgarian Defense Minister over the arrest of an army colonel formerly chief of the Bulgarian wartime reserves. The article also refers to corruption practices that prevailed within the Bulgarian the army between 1992 and 1996.
The attached 18 November 1997 Agence France Presse (AFP) report states that 25 army officers were dismissed for stealing weapons, petrol and food.
For information on the April 1997 elected United Democratic Forces (UDF) government's resolve to fight corruption in general, please refer to the articles attached to Response to Information Request BGR27607.F of 14 August 1997.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Durzhaven Vestnik [Sofia, in Bulgarian]. 4 April 1996. "Bulgaria: Rules on Structure, Activity of Military Inspectorate." (FBIS-EEU-96-233-S 16 Apr. 1996/WNC)
Kontinent [Sofia, in Bulgarian]. 14 May 1996. "Bulgaria: Zhelev, Pavlov Agree on Military Inspectorate." (FBIS-EEU-96-094 16 May 1996/WNC)
Khorizont Radio Network [Sofia, in Bulgarian]. 18 January 1996. "Bulgaria: Military Council Discusses Army Discipline." (FBIS-EEU-96-014 23 Jan. 1996/WNC)
_____. 11 January 1996. "Bulgaria: Army Chief on Resignations, Weapons Theft."(FBIS-EEU-96-013 22 Jan. 1996/WNC)
Attachments
Agence France Presse (AFP). 18 November 1997. "The Bulgarian Army, Which is Struggling with Chronic Shortages ..." (NEXIS)
Durzhaven Vestnik [Sofia, in Bulgarian]. 4 April 1996. "Bulgaria: Rules on Structure, Activity of Military Inspectorate." (FBIS-EEU-96-233-S 16 Apr. 1996/WNC)
Kontinent [Sofia, in Bulgarian]. 14 May 1996. "Bulgaria: Zhelev, Pavlov Agree on Military Inspectorate." (FBIS-EEU-96-094 16 May 1996/WNC)
Khorizont Radio Network [Sofia, in Bulgarian]. 18 January 1996. "Bulgaria: Military Council Discusses Army Discipline." (FBIS-EEU-96-014 23 Jan. 1996/WNC)
TRUD [Sofia, in Bulgarian]. 30 August 1996."Bulgaria: Pavlov Discusses Arrest of State Reserve Chief." (FBIS-EEU-96-170 3 Sept. 1996/WNC)
_____. 11 January 1996. "Bulgaria: Army Chief on Resignations, Weapons Theft."(FBIS-EEU-96-013 22 Jan. 1996/WNC)