Businessman found dead in burned family home in Bankya
Bulgarian prosecutors opened an inquiry into premeditated murder after 56-year-old Vladimir Yankov was found in his burned home in Bankya; Sofia City Prosecutor's Office is leading the investigation.
The Bulgarian Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into a suspected premeditated murder after the body of 56-year-old businessman Vladimir Yankov was found in a burned family home in Bankya, on the outskirts of Sofia.
Officials said the case is being led by the Sofia City Prosecutor's Office and that the inquiry began immediately after investigators completed an on-site inspection of the scene.
The body was discovered on Monday morning after firefighters responded to a blaze at Yankov's house. According to official information from the prosecution, Yankov was killed on 27 July 2026; a report of a fire was received at 04:14 and firefighters found his charred remains during their intervention.
Investigators point to deliberate arson
Preliminary findings indicate one of the main lines of inquiry is that the fire was deliberately set after the killing to destroy evidence and conceal the circumstances of the crime. The fire service had previously told investigators that the blaze was likely intentionally started.
Prosecutors and investigators said they are continuing to gather and analyse material evidence and to interview people who might assist in clarifying the case.
Meanwhile, some Bulgarian media outlets have reported that a possible motive could be the alleged theft of a significant sum from Yankov's crypto wallet. The prosecution has not confirmed that information and stressed that all circumstances remain under investigation.
Photo: press material from the event
