Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06SOFIA1694
2006-12-21 13:29:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Embassy Sofia
Cable title:
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFO ON BULGARIAN ARMY
how-toVZCZCXYZ0005 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHSF #1694 3551329 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 211329Z DEC 06 FM AMEMBASSY SOFIA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2993 INFO RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L SOFIA 001694
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR INR/I, EUR/NCE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/21/2016
TAGS: PINR BU
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFO ON BULGARIAN ARMY
BRIBERY SCANDAL (C-RE6-01741)
REF: STATE 186033 (NOTAL)
Classified By: CDA Alex Karagiannis, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L SOFIA 001694
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR INR/I, EUR/NCE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/21/2016
TAGS: PINR BU
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFO ON BULGARIAN ARMY
BRIBERY SCANDAL (C-RE6-01741)
REF: STATE 186033 (NOTAL)
Classified By: CDA Alex Karagiannis, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C/NF) Post provides the following answers in response to
reftel questions:
- Are the bribery charges against LTC Lyutskanov an isolated
case of wrongdoing or part of a broader pattern of bribery
and corruption within the Bulgarian Armed Forces?
Based on prior experience, open-source information and
inquiries with the MoD, Post believes that the bribery
allegations against Lyutskanov are not indicative of a
broader pattern of bribery and corruption within the General
Staff. There have been credible, unrelated allegations of
bribery against civilian elements of the MoD, particularly
with regard to defense procurement.
- Is there evidence that Lyutskanov's superiors were aware
that he was taking bribes and looked the other way, prior to
his arrest in September?
We are unaware of any such evidence. We believe it is
possible that Lyutskanov had one or more accomplices in his
bribery ring, though he may have been the ranking officer
involved. In the wake of the scandal, personnel procedures
have been changed to prevent similar malfeasance from
happening again.
- To what extent may the bribery scandal affect discussions
of appropriations for the military in the coming fiscal years?
The Lyutskanov scandal has had no perceivable effect on the
government's recent defense budget, and is unlikely to affect
military appropriations in coming years.
- To what extent has the arrest of Lyutskanov and subsequent
revelations of the bribery charges affected the standing and
reputation of the Bulgarian Army with the public?
There has been no perceivable change in the public standing
of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, which remain widely respected.
- Does it appear that the Lyutskanov scandal has run its
course in the media, or is the public discussion likely to
continue?
The scandal has run its course for now, although further
coverage is likely if additional details of the investigation
are made public.
2. (U) POC is PolMil Officer John Senior
(seniorjm@state.sgov.gov).
KARAGIANNIS
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR INR/I, EUR/NCE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/21/2016
TAGS: PINR BU
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFO ON BULGARIAN ARMY
BRIBERY SCANDAL (C-RE6-01741)
REF: STATE 186033 (NOTAL)
Classified By: CDA Alex Karagiannis, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C/NF) Post provides the following answers in response to
reftel questions:
- Are the bribery charges against LTC Lyutskanov an isolated
case of wrongdoing or part of a broader pattern of bribery
and corruption within the Bulgarian Armed Forces?
Based on prior experience, open-source information and
inquiries with the MoD, Post believes that the bribery
allegations against Lyutskanov are not indicative of a
broader pattern of bribery and corruption within the General
Staff. There have been credible, unrelated allegations of
bribery against civilian elements of the MoD, particularly
with regard to defense procurement.
- Is there evidence that Lyutskanov's superiors were aware
that he was taking bribes and looked the other way, prior to
his arrest in September?
We are unaware of any such evidence. We believe it is
possible that Lyutskanov had one or more accomplices in his
bribery ring, though he may have been the ranking officer
involved. In the wake of the scandal, personnel procedures
have been changed to prevent similar malfeasance from
happening again.
- To what extent may the bribery scandal affect discussions
of appropriations for the military in the coming fiscal years?
The Lyutskanov scandal has had no perceivable effect on the
government's recent defense budget, and is unlikely to affect
military appropriations in coming years.
- To what extent has the arrest of Lyutskanov and subsequent
revelations of the bribery charges affected the standing and
reputation of the Bulgarian Army with the public?
There has been no perceivable change in the public standing
of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, which remain widely respected.
- Does it appear that the Lyutskanov scandal has run its
course in the media, or is the public discussion likely to
continue?
The scandal has run its course for now, although further
coverage is likely if additional details of the investigation
are made public.
2. (U) POC is PolMil Officer John Senior
(seniorjm@state.sgov.gov).
KARAGIANNIS