Leila Bičakčić is a founding member of the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIN), an award-winning organisation modelled on US non-profit media agencies. The CIN specialises in reporting on corruption, the links between political elites and organised crime, the misuse of public funds and the assets of public officials. Its investigations have had significant outcomes, including the indictment of a former prime minister, the dismissal of an international judge and key indictments in major corruption cases in Bosnia and Herzegovina, several of which have resulted in final court verdicts.
Under Leila’s leadership, CIN has won many national and international awards, including the Daniel Pearl Award and the Shining Star Award. Most recently, a CIN investigation into vote-buying was shortlisted for the 2021 European Press Prize for the Best Story on Corruption in Europe.
Leila is responsible for the overall management of investigative projects, including planning, analysis and strategic development. She focuses particularly on researching sustainable media models and innovative business approaches for news organisations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider Eastern Balkans region, with a particular emphasis on digital transformation and media convergence.
Leila is originally from Sarajevo and studied physics and economics at the University of Sarajevo.
©Dzenat Drekovic