Bulgaria records 60 murders, 466 robberies and three life sentences in 2025

The National Statistical Institute reported that 28,414 crimes were closed in Bulgaria during 2025. Of the 26,372 defendants, 21,187 received final convictions, a 2.9% drop from the previous year. Men accounted for 91.6% of those sentenced (19,398), while women comprised 8.4% (1,789). The overall conviction rate was 35.2% (effective sentences) and 45.1% conditional, with 16.7% acquitted or released.

Half of the infractions were classified as offenses against public safety (11,678 cases), dominated by transport‑related and communications violations (7,581) and drug‑related crimes (3,655). Property crimes numbered 4,213, with 466 robberies resulting in convictions. Personal crimes included 2,536 cases, among which 60 intentional murders (or attempts) led to 62 convictions, and 923 people were sentenced for bodily injury. Three individuals received life imprisonment.

The crime‑rate coefficient stood at 379 convictions per 100,000 inhabitants, with a stark gender disparity: 728 per 100,000 men versus 61 per 100,000 women. Juvenile offenders (aged 14‑17) accounted for 3.4% of convictions, a rate of 270 per 100,000 youths. Imprisonment remained the most common penalty (79.6% of sentences), with nearly half of those sentences lasting six months or less. Probation was imposed on 2,529 persons and fines on 1,682.