SOFIA, Bulgaria — An armed robbery rocked the “Poduyane” district of Sofia early Friday morning, as four masked and heavily armed men stormed a jewelry studio near the “Georgi Asparuhov” stadium.
The perpetrators, believed to be targeting a goldsmith’s studio, fled the scene in a car that was later discovered burned in a remote area of the capital.
The brazen heist occurred in broad daylight, sending shockwaves through the quiet residential neighborhood. According to preliminary reports, the robbers carried firearms and acted with calculated precision, suggesting a well-planned operation.
No official statement has yet been issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but sources from the Bulgarian National Radio have confirmed that the targeted premises was a workshop dealing in gold and fine jewelry.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with the armed assailants entering the premises quickly and exiting minutes later with what is believed to be stolen valuables. No injuries have been confirmed at this stage, but authorities have not ruled out the possibility of trauma or minor harm to those present during the incident.
The vehicle used in the escape — believed to be a dark-colored sedan — was found torched in an isolated location later in the morning. The deliberate burning of the car is consistent with tactics used by organized criminal groups to destroy forensic evidence and hinder police investigations.
NOVA TV, citing its own sources, reported that the robbers were “heavily armed,” raising concerns about the increased boldness and danger of such criminal activity in urban areas. While it is still unclear what exactly was taken or the estimated value of the stolen goods, the nature of the target indicates that the haul may have been substantial.
A large-scale manhunt is currently underway. Law enforcement officers have cordoned off the crime scene and the location where the car was found, with forensic teams combing for any remaining evidence. Police are also questioning witnesses in the area and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby buildings in hopes of identifying the suspects.
The Poduyane district, traditionally a quieter area of Sofia, is now under heightened police presence as authorities work to track down those responsible. Residents expressed alarm over the daytime robbery, with some saying it has shaken their sense of security.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs is expected to hold a briefing once more details become available. For now, the suspects remain at large, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the robbery or the suspects’ movements to contact local police immediately.
This latest incident adds to a series of recent crimes involving jewelry shops and high-value targets across the country, fueling concerns about the rise of organized crime and the need for increased security measures in vulnerable business sectors.
As the investigation continues, Sofia’s law enforcement agencies are under pressure to bring the perpetrators to justice and reassure a shaken public.