Natalia Asenova Rescued and Stepfather Asen Simeonov Detained in Ovcharovo

The rescue of Natalia Asenova marks the end of a search that mobilized national police forces and volunteers across several regions. According to Dnevnik.bg, the child was found in good condition and is currently under police protection.

The Arrest in Ovcharovo: A Midnight Operation

The operation concluded minutes after midnight in the Shumen village of Ovcharovo. Bntnews reported that Asen Simeonov was detained while attempting to break into a commercial property. Police from both Shumen and Varna were involved in the action, which relied on secret posts.

Junior Police Inspector Yordan Kayrikov of the Shumen Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior (MVR) detailed the moment of capture. He noted that upon detaining the suspect, officials asked for Natalia’s location; Simeonov stated she was nearby. Police found the girl approximately 50 meters away, hidden near bushes with two backpacks.

Natalia is safe! Her loved ones have hugged her! The efforts of many police officers have paid off! The man who took her from home is detained. Ivan Demerdzhiev, Minister of Interior, via Facebook

June 30 Abduction and Threats in Konstantinovo

The crisis began shortly after midnight on June 30 in the village of Konstantinovo. As reported by 24chasa.bg, Simeonov—the former partner of Natalia’s mother, Todorka—invaded the family home. The couple had been separated since April.

The abduction was preceded by a violent assault. Todorka reported that Simeonov beat and bound her with rags, breaking one of her arms and gagging her to prevent her from screaming. He threatened to kill the mother if Natalia did not leave with him. In a moment of desperation, the 11-year-old told her mother, Mom, don’t worry, nothing will happen to me! before following the man out of the house.

The only confirmed lead in the immediate aftermath was security camera footage from the entrance of Konstantinovo, showing Simeonov walking on foot with the child. Unlike the night of the abduction, where only the man carried luggage, the pair were found weeks later each carrying a backpack.

The Search Effort: Amber Alert

Authorities deployed multiple tools to locate the girl. On July 1, the MVR activated the Amber Alert system, distributing descriptions of Natalia—noting her chestnut hair, light eyes, and height of approximately 160 cm—via Facebook and Instagram within a 200 km radius.

The search perimeter shifted toward Shumen in the final days. This decision followed reports that Simeonov, a resident of the Shumen region (specifically the village of Snezina), had allegedly robbed a grocery store in Madara. While this detail was withheld from the public to avoid compromising the investigation, it helped police narrow their focus.

Natalia’s Condition and Family Reunion

Following the arrest, Natalia was immediately examined by medical teams. While she is described as being in good general health, her sister, Petya Katelieva, told www.24chasa.bg that the girl appeared visibly thinner and was wearing different trousers than those she had on during the abduction.

Natalia told her sister that they had traveled on foot from the abduction site to where they were eventually found. Despite being frightened, the girl expressed relief and happiness at being rescued. Family members are currently awaiting further assessments from psychologists regarding her mental state.

Legal Status of Asen Simeonov

Asen Simeonov is currently in custody. Police officials, including Senior Commissioner Georgi Gendov of the Shumen MVR, noted that the specific actions leading to the arrest began on July 17 after information surfaced regarding a robbery involving a suspect whose features closely matched Simeonov.

Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev credited the success to a collective effort involving the MVR, local authorities, and numerous volunteers, stating, When we act as one, success is a fact!