Bulgarian businessman Iliyan Filipov, co-owner of transport and logistics company PIMK and majority owner and president of Plovdiv football club Botev, was shot dead in Bulgaria's second-largest city early on September 30, authorities said.

Police received a report of a shooting at around 1 a.m. at a property owned by Filipov in Plovdiv, the Interior Ministry said. His death was established at the scene.

Local media reported that Filipov, 53, was shot in the head with a single bullet.

Plovdiv District Prosecutor Vanya Hristeva said an investigation into the murder was under way and that no version of events had been ruled out, BTA reported.

Police launched a search for evidence and witnesses and introduced security measures in Plovdiv and surrounding areas, including tighter border controls.

Filipov was co-owner of PIMK, one of Bulgaria's largest transport companies, which has also expanded into construction. He became president of Botev Plovdiv, a top-flight football club, in 2025.

The Bulgarian Football Union and other football clubs expressed condolences following his death.

Filipov had been involved in a public dispute with another Plovdiv businessman, Ivan Petleshkov, in recent years. Filipov had accused Petleshkov of exerting influence over police and municipal officials.

Police said there was no information that Filipov had previously reported receiving threats.