Georgi Iliev (businessman)

Georgi Iliev (1966 – 2005) was a Bulgarian businessman, considered a key figure in organized crime in Bulgaria during the post-communist transition. He rose to prominence in the security business and later diversified into various sectors including tourism, football, and entertainment.

Biography:

Georgi Iliev was born on July 20, 1966. He began his career in security, eventually founding VIS-2, a major security company. This company expanded rapidly after the fall of communism and became involved in numerous economic activities. Iliev became known for his connections within both the business and criminal underworld.

Business Interests:

Beyond security, Iliev's business interests spanned several industries. He was known to be involved in tourism, particularly on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. He also became a major shareholder in the Lokomotiv Plovdiv football club. His activities were often viewed with suspicion due to alleged links to illegal activities.

Controversies and Allegations:

Iliev's career was marked by numerous controversies and allegations of criminal activity, including racketeering, extortion, and contract killings. He was never convicted of a major crime, but his name was frequently associated with organized crime groups in media reports and public discourse.

Assassination:

Georgi Iliev was assassinated on August 25, 2005, in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria. The murder remains unsolved. His death was a significant event in Bulgarian organized crime history and marked a shift in the power dynamics of the underworld. The motive for the assassination is still debated, with theories ranging from internal conflicts within his organization to turf wars with rival groups.

Legacy:

Georgi Iliev's life and death have become a subject of considerable public interest in Bulgaria. He is often cited as a symbol of the turbulent post-communist transition period, characterized by economic instability, widespread corruption, and the rise of organized crime.