Man Who Found Bodies in Bulgarian Mountain Lodge Flees to Mexico, Investigation Continues

Deyan Iliev, the man who discovered the bodies of three men in a lodge near the Petrohan Pass in Bulgaria on February 2, has left the country and is now in Mexico, according to reports from Bulgarian media outlets Novinite and Fakti.bg. Iliev reported the discovery to the Ministry of Interior before departing Bulgaria a few days later.

Discovery of the Bodies

Iliev found the bodies of Ivaylo Ivanov, 49, Decho Iliev, 45, and Plamen Stattev, 51, in the Petrohan lodge. He informed authorities about the deaths and also shared a concerning text message he received from Ivaylo Kalushev the day before, which read, “Goodbye, friend, we are exceptionally tired and have no more strength,” Fakti.bg reported.

Iliev’s Departure and Concerns

Concerns about Iliev’s whereabouts were raised by Ralitsa Asenova, the mother of Nikolay Zlatkov, who was later found dead with Ivaylo Kalushev and a 15-year-old boy near Okolchitsa Peak. Asenova stated that Iliev informed her about the deaths at the Petrohan lodge but did not mention gunshot wounds, Novinite reported. She also expressed difficulty contacting Iliev and his partner.

Journey to Mexico

Iliev, known as “the Mexican,” traveled to Mexico via Spain, as there are no direct flights from Bulgaria. His destination is linked to his personal life, as he lives with a Mexican woman named Lola. The couple previously resided in a house in the village of Gintsi, near the mountain rangers’ base and the Petrohan lodge, Novinite detailed.

Iliev’s Background and Connection to Kalushev

Iliev has been acquainted with Ivaylo Kalushev since he was 16 years old and participated in boat trips to Mexico, according to Valeri Andreev. Iliev was questioned twice by investigators and cooperated with them before leaving Bulgaria. He is currently not banned from leaving the country, but that could change if his procedural status changes, Fakti.bg reported.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into the deaths at Petrohan and Okolchitsa Peak continues. The prosecutor’s office sent materials related to the investigation to parliament on Friday, February 13, 2026, Fakti.bg reported. The case has sparked numerous theories, including speculation about sect involvement, BTA noted.