More 'Hot Water' for Bulgaria's Ex Agriculture Fund CEO

Kalina Ilieva, former CEO of the Bulgarian Agriculture Fund is probed by German and Bulgarian prosecutors for presenting a fake diploma for a master's degree from the Berlin Institute of Technology. Photo by BGNES

Former Executive Director of the Bulgarian Agriculture Fund, Kalina Ilieva, has sent over 400 emails to the EU anti-fraud office OLAF, reporting alleged violations committed by Bulgarian farmers.

In the emails, Ilieva also complained of being pressured by high-ranking State employees, according to a Monday publication of the Bulgarian daily "24 Chassa" (24 Hours).

The numerous emails have even imposed the need of holding meetings in Brussels with OLAF in order to clarify some of her reports.

As result, hundreds of Bulgarian farming projects have been blocked while the Bulgarian State Agency for National Security (DANS) had "wasted" time and resources to probe high-ranking employees, without finding any proof for Ilieva's accusations.

Meanwhile, the former Fund CEO, herself, has violated the rules by allowing the payment of a subsidy in the amount of BGN 4.6 M to a produce market in the southern city of Kardzhali without the consent of the Fund's Managing Board.

In the same time, Agriculture Minister, Miroslav Naydenov, confirmed again official information from the Berlin Institute of Technology Ilieva has forged her diploma.

On Friday, the Minister assuaged fears the forged diploma will have a negative effect on Bulgarian SAPARD projects and contracts.

Ilieva will be probed by German and Bulgarian prosecutors, while the Education Ministry, which several years ago legalized the diploma, is conducting a separate investigation.

She faces a fine of BGN 100 to 300 and up to 3 years behind bars if proven guilty.

In October, Ilieva was dismissed from her position after it was revealed that she was pregnant and had to go on maternity leave.

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