WikiLeaks Releases US Cable on Bulgarian Organized Crime

Former US Ambassador to Sofia, James Pardew (right) and his wife (center) during a trip back to Bulgaria in May, 2010. Photo by BGNES

The whistle-blower site WikiLeaks has published the report of former US Ambassador to Sofia, James Pardew, dated July 7, 2005, focusing in organized crime and international crime groups with Bulgarian participation.

The cable was first made available on December 2nd by the UK "Guardian," but now it also appears on the WikiLeaks site, according to the Bulgarian National Radio, BNR.

Organized crime is the foundation of corruption and the ineffective judicial system in Bulgaria, halting economic development, according to Pardew.

The Ambassador mentions international-scale money laundering, illegal drug trade and counterfeiting, adding none of the underground ringleaders has been convicted, despite the continuing murders for hire. Pardew also points out the US Embassy in Sofia has a list with alleged known crime bosses.

The full text of the cable sent by Pardew to the US State Department, as published by the "Guardian" read HERE.

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