Kremlin-Funded Propaganda: Bulgaria Exposed by Leaked docs
Sofia – May 9,2024 – A new inquiry reveals a substantial flow of funds from Russia to Bulgarian entities disseminating pro-Kremlin propaganda. A recent leak of documents from Pravfond, a Russian state-backed fund, exposes millions of dollars channeled to various groups. This investigation, conducted by BIRD.bg and other investigative outlets, highlights the intricate web of Kremlin influence operations within bulgaria, showcasing the extent of Russia’s disinformation campaign. The revelations underscore the critical need for more clarity and scrutiny.
Kremlin Cash Flow: Leaked Documents Expose Russian Propaganda Funding in Bulgaria
Published: [Current Date]
The Leak: Unmasking Pravfond’s Bulgarian Beneficiaries
A massive leak of documents has illuminated the intricate network of individuals adn organizations in Bulgaria allegedly receiving funds for activities promoting russian propaganda.The data, obtained by Danish public broadcaster DR, comprises over 49,000 emails and 22,000 files originating from a confidential source linked to Pravfond, or the Fund for Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad. BIRD.bg, an investigative outlet, is meticulously analyzing this extensive cache, revealing the financial underpinnings of Kremlin-linked propaganda efforts within Bulgaria.
Pravfond: A Kremlin Tool for Disinformation
Established in 2011 via presidential decree, pravfond is widely recognized as a Kremlin instrument aimed at spreading disinformation and influence operations across Europe.
Previous investigations by DR and various European intelligence agencies have corroborated Pravfond’s role in orchestrating propaganda campaigns. The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) collaborated with DR to dissect the leaked documents, uniting with 28 media partners, including BIRD.bg, in a joint investigation dubbed “Dear Compatriots.” The email correspondence spans Pravfond’s entire operational history, from its inception in 2012 to November 2024, involving communications from at least 21,043 individuals.
Financial Scope: Millions Funneled Across Europe
The leaked documents reveal over 360 grant agreements, with at least 260 issued between 2020 and 2024. Pravfond has directed at least $6.6 million to recipients across Europe and beyond. The grant numbering system suggests an additional 713 grants not present in the leaked archive, hinting at a perhaps larger scale of financing.
Baltic Connection: IMHOclub Leak
In a parallel growth, the baltic investigative platform Re:Baltica shared a related leak of over 35,000 emails and approximately 2,300 documents from IMHOclub, a Kremlin-funded Russian-language opinion site based in Latvia. This leak further maps the network of Russian influence operations.
Bulgaria: A Key Target
Specifically in Bulgaria, Pravfond’s local beneficiaries received over $46,000 from 2014 through 2024, representing roughly 7% of the fund’s total grant allocations. While the emails mention other grants, some documentation is missing from the leak, leaving parts of the picture incomplete.
Funding Priorities: Media and Pro-Kremlin Narratives
The majority of the funds have been channeled to Bulgarian media outlets and organizations that stage events promoting pro-Kremlin narratives and policies. Even though Pravfond’s stated primary mission is to provide legal support to Russian citizens abroad,
the funding for such legal aid in Bulgaria appears minimal.
Key recipients: Unveiling the Network
The primary recipients of these grants, transferred in euros or dollars via bank payments, are several Bulgarian-registered entities closely tied to key individuals:
- Federation “Union of Compatriots,” led by Marina Dadikozyan, which organizes conferences and events.
- National Association Together with Russia, also under Dadikozyan, focused on similar activities.
- Interros Media Association, managed by Dadikozyan, which publishes the Russian-language portal “Vsemirnaya Rossiya.”
- BRIP OOD (Bulgarian-Russian Information Pool), run by Svetlana Sharenkova, publisher of the weekly “Russia Today” and event organizer.
- Forum Bulgaria – Russia Association, another Sharenkova-linked group involved in conference and event organization.
Ongoing Investigation: Unraveling the Kremlin’s Influence
BIRD.bg is currently preparing detailed reports on how these funds are used and the nature of the projects financed by Pravfond in Bulgaria, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of the Kremlin’s influence channels in the country.
