THE STRUMICA MYSTERY:

In Strumica, a shocking murder has taken place. Dr. Elena Petrova, a renowned scientist known for her
groundbreaking environmental research, was found dead in an abandoned factory on the outskirts of
town. Unbeknownst to many, this factory was secretly used by Dr. Petrova to produce illegal drugs, a
revelation that has stunned the community and added layers of intrigue to her mysterious death.

Alex Ivanov, a new employee at WE EFFECT, has been arrested as the prime suspect. Alex, who recently
moved to Strumica, had a personal relationship with Dr. Petrova that ended on a sour note. The police
discovered a series of heated emails between Alex and Dr. Petrova. In these emails, Alex criticized her
unethical practices and hinted at exposing her clandestine operations. This digital correspondence,
combined with a previous public altercation, provided what the police considered a strong motive for
murder.

The investigation reveals that on the night of the murder, Dr. Petrova was working late in her secret lab.
The police found her body surrounded by her research notes and drug production materials. Her death
appeared violent, with signs of a struggle indicating that she did not go down without a fight. The
factory, long abandoned and decaying, became an eerie crime scene with scattered evidence pointing in
multiple directions.

Dr. Petrova's diary entries discovered at the scene suggested she had been receiving threats. One
particular entry mentioned an escalating conflict with a colleague, though it didn’t specify a name.
Among the scattered documents was a torn letter that hinted at a blackmail attempt, possibly related to
her drug production activities.

Key evidence includes a broken watch found near Dr. Petrova’s body, stopped at the estimated time of
death, and a vial containing an unknown substance. Security footage from the factory's vicinity shows a
shadowy figure entering the premises on the night of the murder, adding to the mystery.

Adding another layer to the case, a local resident, known for being an insomniac and often seen walking
near the factory at odd hours, reported seeing a suspicious car speeding away from the factory around
the time Dr. Petrova was believed to have been killed. This witness, however, did not see the driver’s
face, making it difficult to identify the person involved.

Despite the evidence pointing towards Alex, his colleagues at WE EFFECT believe in his innocence. They
are convinced that someone else had both the motive and opportunity to commit the crime and frame
Alex. The discovery of additional emails and documents suggest a deeper conspiracy at play, involving
people close to Dr. Petrova’s work and personal life.

As the investigation progresses, the focus shifts from Alex to other potential suspects. The motive of
professional rivalry, the unstable behaviour of certain colleagues, and the shadowy figure in the security
footage paint a complex picture. The participants must piece together the puzzle, ultimately aiming to
uncover the true culprit behind her murder and clear Alex's name.