Bat Yam Resident Arrested Over Murder of Israeli Professor in Bulgaria
A Bat Yam pharmacist was arrested on suspicion of murdering an 80-year-old Israeli professor in Bulgaria last month, with investigators pointing to financial motives.
Israeli police and international authorities have detained a resident of Bat Yam on suspicion of involvement in the murder of an elderly Israeli professor in Bulgaria last month. Investigators believe the killing was motivated by financial greed, targeting the victim's property holdings.
The victim, a respected biologist in his 80s holding dual citizenship, divided his time between Sofia and Bat Yam. The suspect, a married pharmacist with no prior criminal record, lived as a neighbor to the victim in Bat Yam and allegedly monitored his movements to acquire his assets.
The murder took place last month while the professor was in Bulgaria. Bulgarian authorities initially suspected a fatal fall after the victim was found severely beaten near a Sofia metro station, but an autopsy later revealed he was beaten to death.
Following the emergence of suspicions linking the Bat Yam resident to the crime, the Israel Police, alongside the international department of the State Attorney's Office and Bulgarian law enforcement, launched a joint operation. An international arrest warrant was issued, leading to the suspect's detention.
The suspect is expected to appear in court for extradition proceedings to Bulgaria. Israeli police do not have the jurisdiction to interrogate the suspect locally.
