Arrest in murder of Botev Plovdiv owner Ilijan Filipov

Bulgarian police have arrested the main suspect in the killing of businessman Ilijan Filipov, the owner of football club Botev Plovdiv, authorities said. Local reporting identifies the suspect as Slavcho Magerov, described as a childhood friend and long-time business associate of the victim.

Prosecutor Dimitar Molev announced that a charge of intentional homicide has been brought against Magerov. "The motive is of a personal nature and stems from unresolved financial relations between him and the deceased," Molev said.

Filipov was not only involved with Botev Plovdiv; he was also the founder and head of the PIMK transport company, which grew into one of Bulgaria’s largest transport firms. Published figures show the company reported annual revenues of over €150 million.

Suspect's criminal record and past cooperation

Media accounts state that Magerov has a lengthy criminal history. He was convicted of a murder committed in 1992 and in 1995 received an 11-year prison sentence, but he was released before completing the term for good behaviour. Between 2002 and 2007 he was arrested for multiple thefts, allegedly including the theft of $30,000, two kilograms of gold and an ATM.

Further reports say Magerov was convicted in 2007 for a shop robbery and served 11 months, and in 2013 received a seven-year sentence after a post-office robbery. Despite that record, Filipov later entered into business cooperation with him, reportedly believing Magerov had reformed.

In 2025 Filipov became a majority shareholder at Botev Plovdiv and is reported to have paid roughly €5 million to cover the club’s old debts. The killing has drawn major attention in Bulgaria and investigators continue working to establish all circumstances and the precise sequence of events.

Photo: press material from the event