Corruption and impunity
Popular perceptions for high levels of corruption in the country include both “everyday” low-level corruption and grand political corruption which affects key institutions. The latter is easily assessed through some well-known cases in the last years. These cases, emblematic for political corruption and favoritism, as well as for inefficient use of public resources are: the bankruptcy of the Corporate Commercial Bank (CCB), the building of the Belene Nuclear Power Plant and the construction of the South Stream Gas-pipeline. Among these cases, the CCB case unequivocally receives highest attention as a corruption scandal in which public institutions were involved during all different stages – almost 70% of the respondents invoke CCB case as an example of grand corruption. Cases with Belene NPP and South Stream are indicated as corruption cases by half of the respondents.
The survey shows that the Bulgarian society does not consider that public institutions address effectively these corruption cases and that serious investigations will be initiated. Less than 5% of the respondents agree that the institutions use all proper means for investigating the cases and punishing the guilty ones. Almost 50% state that the responsible institutions do not effectively investigate the cases and will persecute the convicted individuals. More than 80% of the respondents believe or assume that corruption cases like CCB may occur in the future. This, in turn, indicates the very low level of public trust (approx. 20%) in all institutions involved in monitoring, prevention and investigation of the CCB case.
Beyond the specific case, there are deep and lasting credibility problems regarding the independence, efficiency and performance of public institutions expected to counteract and investigate corruption cases. Moreover, there is a prevailing perception that political elites are heavily corrupted and do not have reasons and incentives to disclose their hidden connections and exposure to different corruption behavior. All these stereotypes produce rather passive and pessimistic attitude with respect to civic involvement and reformist policies directed against corruption.
Around 20% of the respondents recognize and accept the role of civic engagement for successful fight against corruption. The majority among this group are supporters of political parties which oppose the status quo and make the fight against corruption their core objective.
Press releases

ACF: Many Violations in the Operation of Buffer Parking Lot Near Ruse Border Crossing Part 2 of Game of Parking Lots Exposes Curious Family Ties and Shows How State Interference Supports a Monopoly

Game of Parking Lots: Persons Linked with Kapitan Andreevo Scandal Expand Their Reach to Bulgaria’s Northern Border

How Sanctioned Persons Are Visiting Bulgaria “on Medical Grounds” with the Foreign Ministry’s Approval

ACF: BACB Does Not Deny Hosting Talks Between TurkStream Tenderers

TurkStream Tenderers Also Held Secret Talks at Tzvetelina Borislavova’s Bank

Who and How Held Illegal Secret Negotiations with TurkStream Tenderers in 2019?

“Pelletgate”: firm linked to Delyan Dobrev received large amounts from Maritza 3 TPP for fictitious deliveries of biomass

ACF files a report to the Prosecutor's Office about cybercrimes committed during the electronic voting for members of the Supreme Judicial Council in June 2022

ACF's Annual Monitoring Report 2022: Institutions remain blind to high-level political corruption

Presentation of the ACF Annual Monitoring Report "Anti-Corruption Institutions 2022: Eyes Wide Shut"
The others for us

Major General Paul H. Pardew will be ACF's International Advisor

Purchased and controlled vote and trust in the electoral process

Anti-Corruption Fund Foundation held a meeting and discussion in Blagoevgrad

Andrey Yankulov to Fakti: The work of the Anti-Corruption Commission is shrouded in secrecy

Mario Rusinov on election technology and the purchased vote

The most important thing about anomaly-monitoring analyses is the politicians' awareness that they are taking place

Der Standard: As early as 2019, ACF has sent reports to the Financial Inspectorate and the Prosecutor's Office about irregularities at the Capitan Andreevo Check Point

Andrey Yankulov: It is strange that a deputy minister was dismissed after allegations of a BGN 200 000 bribe, and now he has been restored to the same position

Andrey Yankulov: The draft law about the Anti-Corruption Commission allows for external control over the Prosecutor's Office

Trading votes for firewood, or about the election frauds in the upcoming elections
Video


PELLETGATE


Game of Parking Lots: Persons Linked with Kapitan Andreevo Scandal Expand Their Reach to Bulgaria’s Northern Border


PELLETGATE


“Pelletgate”: firm linked to Delyan Dobrev received large amounts from Maritza 3 TPP for fictitious deliveries of biomass


Analysis of the ACF: GERB and the Movement for Rights and freedom win the biggest share of votes in polling stations at risk


The Rules of Bukovlak


"Our Party - Number One": Witness account of voting instead of voters and threats on election day in Breznitsa village


"How many votes do we have for Stefcho?", new witness from Simitli municipality


"How many votes do we have for Stefcho?" Another first-hand account of flagrant violations at the polling stations in Simitli, where Stefan Apostolov won 90% of the vote

