Stavreff’s Fall and Arrest

As time went on, Stavreff’s reckless behavior grew worse. He began to lose control over what he said and started hinting at secrets he might reveal if certain officials didn’t treat him better. His gambling habits worsened, and his increasing losses made him more daring and less careful in his actions. He continued to make mysterious remarks, drawing more attention to himself. Eventually, on October 24, 1902, Stavreff was arrested. He was secretly tried in prison and quickly sentenced to death for the assassination of Stambouloff that happened more than seven years earlier. It was publicly announced that Stavreff had made a full confession of his guilt Ephesus Daily Tour.

Revelation of Incriminating Letters

After Stavreff’s arrest, shocking revelations followed. Lithographed copies of letters began appearing on the streets of Sofia. These letters were written by Ludskanoff, the minister of the interior, who had ordered Stavreff’s arrest and execution. The letters clearly showed that Ludskanoff had hired Stavreff to kill not only Stambouloff but also Mr. Vulkovitch, who had been a prominent figure in the anti-Russian movement before his death in 1892. At that time, Ludskanoff led the pro-Russian faction in Bulgaria. To avoid arrest for his involvement in Vulkovitch’s assassination, Ludskanoff fled the country.

When Stambouloff was in power, he issued a decree of perpetual banishment against Ludskanoff. Ludskanoff did not return until after Stambouloff’s death, when a universal amnesty was declared. Upon his return, Ludskanoff regained his political influence, joined the parliament, and served as an obedient tool for Russian influence in Bulgaria.

The Political Fallout

The publication of these incriminating letters caused a huge sensation in Sofia. More letters of a similar nature were released in the following days. These revelations led to the dissolution of the Bulgarian cabinet. However, the cabinet was quickly reorganized, and Ludskanoff was reappointed as the minister of the interior. The new prime minister, Mr. Kavachoff, explained that the amnesty proclamation offered a full pardon for any actions that his colleagues, including Ludskanoff, might have been involved in. This explanation seemed to satisfy those who supported Russian influence in Bulgaria, despite the controversial events surrounding Ludskanoff’s actions.