Israeli Pharmacist Arrested in Bulgaria for Neighbor's Murder

A pharmacist from Bat Yam, Israel, with no prior criminal record, was arrested Friday on suspicion of involvement in the brutal murder of his neighbor, a respected Israeli professor in his 80s. The murder occurred last month in Sofia, Bulgaria, the victim's second home. Investigators believe the motive was financial gain and an attempt to seize the professor's extensive assets in Israel. The victim, who held dual citizenship and divided his time between Bat Yam and Sofia, was a renowned biologist who taught for decades. He was found severely beaten at a Sofia subway station and later died in a hospital. Initially, local authorities suspected an accidental fall, but autopsy results revealed he was beaten to death. Investigators now suspect the Bat Yam pharmacist targeted the professor for his wealth, monitored his routine, and planned the attack. Following the development of suspicions, Bulgarian police collaborated with Israel's Ayalon District crime-fighting unit, the Intelligence Division's operational coordination department, and the State Prosecutor's Office's international department. After a joint effort to gather evidence, an international temporary arrest warrant was issued, leading to the suspect's arrest by Israeli police. Since the crime occurred in Bulgaria, Israeli police lack jurisdiction for a full investigation. The suspect is expected to appear in court as part of an extradition process to face Bulgarian authorities in Sofia.