Authorities in Sofia have detained a woman linked to a violent crime spree that left four foreign nationals injured and two financial institutions targeted. The suspect is facing multiple charges following a series of attacks that occurred across the Bulgarian capital in late March 2026, involving stabbings, pepper spray, and threats with a firearm.
The Sofia Metropolitan Directorate of Internal Affairs (SDVR) confirmed the arrest after a coordinated operation involving multiple police districts and specialized units. The suspect, whose age is reported as 39 in some police briefings and 41 in other official reports , is currently held under a 72-hour detention order as investigators finalize the charges.
The wave of violence began on the evening of March 26, when the suspect targeted four German citizens in central Sofia. The attacks took place in two separate locations: two men were stabbed near the “Stadion Vasil Levski” metro station, and shortly after, two women, aged 26 and 30, were attacked in a public bus (Line 94) near the “Bridge of Lovers” in the “Cherni Vrah” area . Police have stated there is no evidence of a terrorist motive, describing the stabbings as “random” and the result of “episodic, aggressive behavior.”
Armed Robberies and Financial Targets
Following the stabbings, the suspect allegedly shifted her focus toward financial targets. On March 27, a 48-year-old employee at a payment office reported that an unknown woman entered the premises, sprayed her with pepper spray, and stole 3,100 euros . The SDVR opened a criminal proceeding under Article 198 of the Penal Code for armed robbery.
The violent pattern continued on March 31, when a 56-year-old employee at a bank branch was targeted. According to police reports, the suspect entered the bank wearing a medical mask, threatened the employee with a pistol, and attempted to use pepper spray . While the bank attempt did not result in a theft, it provided further evidence for the ongoing investigation.
Criminal History and Police Investigation
The SDVR investigation revealed that the suspect is not a first-time offender. Records indicate she had been previously detained for armed robbery and was released in 2023 . Police noted that following her previous release, she had been sought after at the request of her mother but had not been officially interviewed at that time.
The apprehension of the suspect was the result of a joint effort between the Sixth and Eighth Police Districts, the SDVR “Robberies” sector, and the Specialized Police Forces . The speed of the arrest followed a massive manhunt that began immediately after the stabbings on March 26, with the capital’s police force placed on high alert.
Timeline of Incidents
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| March 26 | Stabbing Attacks | Four German citizens injured at metro station and on bus 94. |
| March 27 | Payment Office Robbery | Employee sprayed; 3,100 euros stolen. |
| March 31 | Bank Branch Threat | Employee threatened with a pistol and pepper spray. |
| April 3 | Detention | Suspect arrested and placed under 72-hour detention. |
The current legal proceedings are focused on the multiple violations of the Penal Code, specifically regarding armed robbery and the causing of bodily harm. The suspect remains in custody as the SDVR compiles the full evidence from the three distinct crime scenes.
The next confirmed step in the legal process is the conclusion of the 72-hour detention period, after which the prosecution will determine if she will be remanded in custody pending trial.
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