Israel Detains Suspect in Murder of Israeli Academic in Bulgaria

Jerusalem, 15 November, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Sofia (BTA) – An Israeli citizen wanted in connection with the murder of an 83-year-old university professor in Bulgaria was detained in Israel on Sunday, the director of the Sofia Directorate of Internal Affairs (SDVR), Chief Commissioner Nikolay Peltekov, told journalists.

Israeli Police reported that the suspect is a 32-year-old resident of Bat Yam. Israeli media reports have identified the suspect as Shamil Leviev. He is suspected of beating Professor Andrey Atansanov to death in Sofia in October. Atansov, an Israeli national, lectured in biology at Sofia University.

Peltekov thanked the Israeli services for their assistance.

He added that communication between the Bulgarian police, prosecutors and courts and Israeli authorities is continuing, and the suspect is expected to be extradited.