SOFIA — A leading Bulgarian entrepreneur and the president of top‑flight football club FC Botev Plovdiv was shot dead early Wednesday morning in the city of Plovdiv, according to reports from the national broadcaster BNR and other local media.
Iliyan Filipov, who built one of Bulgaria’s largest transport and logistics firms, PIMK, and held the majority share of FC Botev Plovdiv, was discovered around 1 a.m. local time at a property he owned in Plovdiv. Police say he had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police response and investigation
Law‑enforcement officers quickly sealed off the main entry and exit points to the neighborhood surrounding the property, aiming to preserve evidence and prevent any further danger to residents. Plovdiv District Prosecutor Vanya Hristeva briefed reporters, stating, “We are actively pursuing all possible leads.” The prosecutor’s office has not released details about a possible motive, suspects, or whether the attack was linked to Filipov’s business activities.
Impact on the football club and local community
FC Botev Plovdiv, a historic club with a passionate fan base, issued a brief statement expressing shock and sorrow over the loss of its owner. The club’s management indicated that operations would continue as scheduled, but that the tragedy would be deeply felt by players, staff, and supporters throughout the city.
Filipov’s death also reverberates beyond the football world. As the head of a major logistics company, his leadership contributed to employment and trade in the region. Local business leaders have called for a swift resolution to the case, emphasizing the need for safety and stability in Plovdiv’s commercial environment.
Community reaction
Residents of Plovdiv gathered outside the crime scene shortly after the news broke, lighting candles and leaving flowers in a show of solidarity. Social‑media users in Bulgaria expressed condolences and urged authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.
While the investigation remains ongoing, officials have asked anyone with information to contact the Plovdiv police department. The case highlights concerns about violent crime in the city and underscores the importance of public‑safety resources.
Background on the victim
Iliyan Filipov rose to prominence in the 1990s, expanding PIMK into a nationwide logistics network that handles freight, warehousing, and distribution for a range of industries. His involvement with FC Botev Plovdiv began in the early 2010s, when he acquired a controlling stake and invested in stadium upgrades and youth development programs.
Filipov’s dual role as a business leader and sports patron made him a well‑known figure in both the economic and cultural spheres of Bulgaria. His untimely death leaves a notable void in the country’s business community and in the football world.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
