Information on organized crime in Bulgaria [BGR11581]

According to the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA), the official news agency in Bulgaria, "informed sources say there is a well-organised mafia in Bulgaria" (27 Feb. 1991). The chief of the National Investigative Service stated in May 1992 that "she believes organised economic crime poses a grave threat to Bulgaria now" (BBC Summary 12 May 1992). Another report from the Sunday Times states the following:
Countries such as Bulgaria have long been used by smugglers, money-launderers, terrorists and gun-runners. Officials were frequently bribed or took a share of profits, and now the drug-smugglers are able to plug straight into this network (23 February 1992).

However, according to a BBC report, Zhan Vienov, leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party, "has officially approached the Republic's Chief prosecutor's office insisting that the competent organs publish the facts that are the basis of what [Vienov] called propaganda claims that conspiracy, terror, and a mafia exits in Bulgaria" (29 Feb. 1992).

Additional articles which note briefly that Bulgaria is attempting to combat organized crime, but provide little specific information, are available on request.

References


BBC Summmary of World Broadcasts. 12 May 1992. "Chief Investigator of Economic Crimes Claims Judiciary Disorganised on Purpose." (NEXIS)

_____. 29 February 1992. "Press Reports of Conspiracy by Former Communists to Overthrow Government Denied." (NEXIS)

Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA). 24 February 1992. "Increased Crime Rate, National 'Mafia' Reported." (FBIS-EEU-91-037 25 Feb. 1992, p. 20)

Sunday Times [London]. 23 February 1992. "Drug Plague Sweeps Out from Lawless East." (NEXIS)

Attachments

BBC Summmary of World Broadcasts. 12 May 1992. "Chief Investigator of Economic Crimes Claims Judiciary Disorganised on Purpose." (NEXIS)

_____. 29 February 1992. "Press Reports of Conspiracy by Former Communists to Overthrow Government Denied." (NEXIS)

Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA). 24 February 1992. "Increased Crime Rate, National 'Mafia' Reported." (FBIS-EEU-91-037 25 Feb. 1992, p. 20)

Sunday Times [London]. 23 February 1992. "Drug Plague Sweeps Out from Lawless East." (NEXIS)