Ministry Official Jasmina Kostadinova Receives Prison Sentence in IPARD Bribery Case
Jasmina Kostadinova, a ministry official, was sentenced to ten months in prison following a guilty plea during a final hearing regarding the acceptance of a bribe connected to the mediation of funds from the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IPARD). The court’s decision incorporates the period of house arrest, which commenced on November 5, 2025, extending her total sentence. The court denied a request for the return of €6,000 identified as part of the illicit funds.
However, the court ordered the confiscation of €8,000 discovered during a search of Kostadinova’s residence. The case stemmed from an investigation initiated following the temporary suspension of approximately €2.9 million in IPARD payments by the European Commission. These payments were subsequently reinstated after the completion of the investigation.
The proceedings involved the mediation process surrounding the distribution of funds within the IPARD program. Further details regarding the specific nature of the bribe and the individuals involved remain under investigation. This case highlights ongoing scrutiny of European agricultural funding programs.
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This outcome underscores the serious consequences of corruption within public funding programs.
What was the specific nature of the bribery related to the IPARD funds?