On March 26, 2025, Swiss television will witness the return of the long-beloved true crime show "Aktenzeichen XY ... ungelöst" after more than 20 years. The episode, airing simultaneously on SRF 1 and ZDF at 20:15, will revisit the unsolved murder of a prostitute, Emiliya Emilova, which occurred in 2014 in Stansstadt, Switzerland.
The show, which originally premiered in Germany in 1967, has been a staple of crime-solving entertainment, with nearly 40 percent of its over 5,000 cases resolved. While SRF ceased its participation in the program in 2003, this one-time collaboration marks a significant return to the format that has captivated audiences for decades.
Frank Zervos, the deputy program director of ZDF, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are pleased that SRF, more than twenty years after the last 'Aktenzeichen XY… Ungelöst' broadcast on Swiss television, approached us with the desire to show the upcoming episode in primetime and in parallel with the ZDF broadcast." This sentiment underscores the enduring appeal of the show and its relevance in addressing cold cases.
The focus of the upcoming episode will be the tragic case of Emiliya Emilova, a 36-year-old Bulgarian woman whose body was discovered by a passerby in the Vierwaldstättersee on September 21, 2014. Emilova was last seen alive around midnight before her death, working as a prostitute in Ibach, Luzern. The authorities suspect foul play, with the cause of death being attributed to suffocation due to strangulation.
Despite extensive investigations, including around 150 interviews, the case remains unsolved. The Kantonspolizei Nidwalden, along with the public prosecutor's office, hopes that the renewed exposure through "Aktenzeichen XY ... ungelöst" will generate new leads. A reward of 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately 10,500 euros) is being offered for information that leads to the identification of Emilova's killer.
In a recent documentary aired on March 20, titled "Die Tote vom Strassenstrich - Letzte Hoffnung: Aktenzeichen XY ... ungelöst," the police chief of Nidwalden, Senad Sakic, emphasized their hope that individuals who were once part of the sex work community might come forward with information. He stated, "We do not exclude the possibility that the perpetrator or someone close to them may eventually come forward after some time has passed." This approach reflects an understanding that social dynamics and relationships may have shifted over the years, potentially encouraging witnesses to speak out.
Emilova's life before her tragic end reveals a complex narrative. She had been in a relationship with a pimp and lived in a shared apartment in Aarburg. Her two sons, now 22 and 25 years old, shared that their mother regularly sent them money from Switzerland. They recalled that during her last visit to Bulgaria, she expressed a desire to leave prostitution behind and return home in October 2014.
The police investigation has focused on several key questions: Who had contact with Emilova on the night of her death? Were there individuals who exhibited unusual behavior after the crime? And has anyone received relevant information that could assist in solving the case? The Kantonspolizei Nidwalden is urging anyone with information to contact them at +41 41 618 44 66.
In addition to the Emilova case, the March 26 episode will also feature other unresolved cases, including that of a father who allegedly shot his 13-year-old daughter in Germany in 2011 and a missing person case involving a Thai woman in Stralsund.
As the true crime genre continues to thrive, "Aktenzeichen XY ... ungelöst" remains a significant platform for bringing attention to cold cases, offering viewers a chance to engage with real-life mysteries. The show's format, which combines dramatic reenactments with direct appeals for information, has proven effective in eliciting responses from the public.
While the original concept of the program may seem dated to some, its ability to adapt to contemporary audiences and highlight pressing issues in society keeps it relevant. The show's return to Swiss television is not just a nostalgic nod to the past but a vital opportunity to shed light on unresolved cases that continue to haunt families and communities.
As the episode airs on March 26, viewers will undoubtedly be reminded of the impact that unresolved crimes have on society and the importance of community involvement in solving these cases. The hope is that through renewed public interest and engagement, the truth behind Emilova's tragic death may finally come to light.
