Plovdiv Court Detains Slavcho Megerov for Murder of Businessman Iliyan Filipov
The Plovdiv District Court has ordered the continued detention of 51-year-old Slavcho Megerov, who is accused of the premeditated murder of businessman Iliyan Filipov. Prosecutors allege the killing was driven by unpaid debts linked to “black toto,” an illegal sports betting system, according to reports from Gong.bg and Sportal.bg.
Illegal Betting Debts as Primary Motive
Prosecutors presented evidence in court suggesting the murder stemmed from unregulated financial relations. According to Sportal.bg, both Filipov and Megerov participated in “black toto,” with individual bets ranging between 15,000 and 20,000 euros. While the exact total debt remains unconfirmed by the state prosecution, the Plovdiv media outlet Maritsa reported the sum could be as high as 3 million euros.
Testimony from Filipov’s inner circle indicates that Megerov owed the businessman a significant sum of money. Sportal.bg noted that Megerov’s sister, who lives in Plovdiv, allegedly acted as an intermediary, delivering winning bet payments to Filipov from Megerov, who resides in Sofia.
Timeline of the September 30 Execution
The killing occurred on the night of September 30 in the “Hristo Smirnenski” neighborhood of Plovdiv. An autopsy confirmed Filipov was killed by a single gunshot to the head, as reported by Gong.bg.
Court records and security footage detailed a precise sequence of events described by Judge Petko Minev, according to Novini SEGA:
- 23:00: Megerov parked a red Peugeot with a black roof in a green area near Peshtversko Shose.
- 23:19: Megerov was seen leaving the vehicle and moving toward the crime scene.
- 00:20: Megerov entered the building where the murder took place.
- 00:31: A woman with whom Filipov had a relationship entered the building. A man wearing a mask and hood was captured on camera exiting the building one minute later.
The witness reported seeing a man with a gun descending the stairs. She alerted Filipov by phone; he told her he was nearby and would return. Upon his arrival, the witness provided light for Filipov in a dark hallway, at which point a shot was fired. The woman later found Filipov’s body in the kitchen, according to Novini SEGA.
The Influence and Business Reach of Iliyan Filipov
In an interview with bTV, journalist Rusi Chernev described Filipov’s influence as substantial, claiming the businessman could block city processes with a few phone calls and had links to national-level leaders.
Filipov’s business interests extended beyond Bulgaria, with Chernev describing his company as European or transcontinental. His portfolio included significant investments in railway transport and a recent large-scale solar park project. Chernev stated that Filipov’s logistics ambitions included a key route spanning from Tehran to London.
Court Upholds Detention of Slavcho Megerov
Slavcho Megerov was arrested in Sofia hours after the crime. While the murder weapon has not yet been recovered and there are no direct eyewitnesses to the shooting, Judge Petko Minev stated there is a “chain of evidence” including security recordings, expert reports, and witness testimonies that link Megerov to the crime, according to Novini SEGA.
Megerov’s defense attorney, Dilyana Agova, has argued that there is no direct evidence proving Megerov committed the murder. Despite this, the court upheld the prosecution’s request for the most severe measure of restraint—permanent detention—due to the risk of the defendant absconding. Megerov faces a potential sentence of 15 to 20 years, life imprisonment, or life imprisonment without parole.
Unresolved Questions in the Filipov Case
Investigators have not yet located the firearm used in the execution. Police are exploring the possibility of an accomplice, but BNT News reports that no data currently supports the involvement of a second person in the killing.
Who discovered the body of Iliyan Filipov?
Lюдмила Рачева, a 30-year-old partner of the businessman, discovered the body and alerted emergency services via 112, according to Sportal.bg.
How was the suspect tracked to Sofia?
Security cameras in Plovdiv tracked Megerov’s movements and his red Peugeot from 23:00 until he left the city, allowing police to locate and arrest him in the capital, as reported by Novini SEGA.
What is the status of the “black toto” allegations?
The prosecution treats these illegal sports bets as the primary motive, though the exact amount of the debt Megerov owed Filipov has not been officially quantified in court, according to Gong.bg.
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