Bulgaria: Search for Missing 11-Year-Old Natalia Continues as Volunteers Report Possible Sighting of the Stepfather

Volunteers involved in the search for missing 11-year-old Natalia have reported a possible new sighting of her stepfather, Asen Simeonov. According to their information, the man was seen in the village of Velichkovo near Varna, around 40 kilometers from Konstantinovo, where he allegedly took the child.

The volunteers said Simeonov was spotted alone and that Natalia was not with him. They believe the man is familiar with the area, which has allowed him to avoid being found while moving through difficult terrain.

"This man has been spotted alone in recent days. One evening we chased him there again, but the area is hilly, grassy, and there is dense vegetation that interferes with the thermodrone," volunteer Boyan Dotsev said.

According to Dotsev, the group believes the person they saw was Simeonov based on his behavior, movements and the way he navigates the area.

"The night before, we chased him in Velichkovo as well. He passed by one of our volunteers and was completely recognized - by the way he uses the flashlight, by the way he runs, the techniques he uses are identical," Dotsev said.

Volunteers say Simeonov knows the region well and is capable of covering long distances through forests and rough terrain. They also believe Natalia may have been left somewhere else, although her exact location remains unknown.

"The child has not been with him for several days. Natalia is hidden somewhere, it is not known in what condition. She could be in a local waterfall, a cave, or an abandoned house," Dotsev added.

The chairman of the Rodni Balkani tourist association, Kamen Kukurov, warned that if Simeonov is not located soon, he could remain hidden for an extended period. According to him, the surrounding forest areas provide conditions where both an adult and a child could potentially survive for a long time.

Police continue to follow all received leads and investigate information related to the case. Volunteers are also continuing searches in areas they believe could provide clues. While some participants have stopped their involvement, others remain actively searching for Natalia and her stepfather.