Sofia, Bulgaria — In a brazen morning robbery, two masked and armed individuals made off with 33,000 leva from a casino in Sofia’s Lyulin 7 district, confirmed the Ministry of the Interior.
The heist took place shortly after 7:00 a.m. yesterday, casting a shadow over the neighborhood and prompting an intense manhunt for the perpetrators.
According to authorities, the suspects, who were both armed and wearing masks, entered the casino and quickly overpowered the staff.
They used an unknown substance to incapacitate the casino croupier before fleeing the scene with a substantial amount of cash.
Remarkably, there were no security personnel present in the casino at the time of the incident, which may have facilitated the robbers’ escape.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspects in the vicinity of the casino shortly before the robbery, but their intentions went unnoticed until the crime was underway. The casino, located in a busy area of Sofia, was left in disarray as the suspects made their getaway.
The Ministry of the Interior has launched an extensive investigation into the robbery, with officers combing through security footage and interviewing potential witnesses in hopes of identifying the suspects.
The lack of security at the casino has raised concerns about safety protocols and has prompted discussions about improving security measures at similar establishments across the city.
“We are actively working on tracking down the suspects and bringing them to justice,” stated a spokesperson from the Ministry of the Interior. “Our teams are analyzing all available evidence, including surveillance footage from nearby businesses, to aid in our investigation.”
The casino’s management has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but the robbery has undoubtedly caused significant disruption and concern among the local community.
Patrons and employees are unsettled by the lack of immediate security response, prompting calls for increased vigilance and protection at such high-risk locations.
Local residents expressed shock and dismay at the event, with many questioning how such a high-profile crime could occur in broad daylight.
“It’s alarming to think that something like this can happen right in our neighborhood,” said one resident. “We hope the authorities find those responsible quickly and ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are appealing to the public for any information that might assist in identifying the robbers.
They urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area around the time of the robbery to come forward with details that could aid in the resolution of the case.
The robbery has also sparked a wider discussion about the need for improved security measures at casinos and other vulnerable establishments.
With the perpetrators still on the loose, the case remains a top priority for law enforcement, as they work to ensure the safety of the public and prevent similar incidents in the future.