Pernik Prosecutor Biser Mihaylov: "As a father, I will not betray my son"

30.05.2026 | Domestic policy

A week after the arrest of Vasil Mihaylov, his father, Pernik prosecutor Biser Mihaylov, denies helping his son hide, speaks about his internal dilemma, and declares that he will not testify against him.

Снимка от Uzakilsantan, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Biser Mihaylov speaks about the arrest of his son Vasil: he denies hiding him and refuses to testify against him

He categorically rejects the Interior Minister's words that he helped Vasil become a fugitive from justice.

A week after the arrest of "Vasil Mihaylov", known as "the prosecutor's son", his father speaks exclusively to the camera of "NOVA". Pernik prosecutor "Biser Mihaylov" sharply rejects the claims of Interior Minister "Ivan Demerdzhiev" that he assisted his son in hiding from justice.

The magistrate emphasizes that he had no idea where Vasil was during this period. "I didn't know where he was during those 11 months," says Mihaylov. Regarding the arrest operation itself, the father adds that he does not know "what prompted the GDBOP (General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime) to use such tactics," but emotionally admits that at the moment of the arrest, he recognized his son only by his eyes, because visually Vasil was "a completely different person – with a beard and hair," in complete contrast to his appearance last year.

"As a father, I would not betray my son"

A year ago, "Biser Mihaylov" publicly urged his son to surrender to the authorities. Although the young man did not heed this appeal, today the prosecutor speaks openly about his internal conflict and his decision not to testify against him. "As a father, I would not betray my son," he admits, adding that even in his capacity as a magistrate, he would not have acted differently.

Mihaylov further explains that according to the Penal Code, he does not bear criminal liability for not personally disclosing information when it concerns a close relative – specifically his son. At the same time, he admits that their relationship has deteriorated significantly in recent months.

Who helped Vasil hide?

When asked who could have helped Vasil during his long time in hiding, the father answers: "Everyone – friends, close acquaintances, relatives, people with resources." Nevertheless, he remains firm that he does not know his son's circle and does not know whom he trusts.

"For me, this is a mystery, I hope the relevant services will do their job," Mihaylov adds, emphasizing that he himself has no information on who provided logistics and support to Vasil during those 11 months.

The scandal with GDBOP and a possible meeting in prison

Regarding the scandal concerning threats to a high-ranking GDBOP official in a village near Pernik, the father states that according to his information, "Vasil was not yet there," but leaves the establishment of the facts entirely in the hands of the investigative authorities.

When asked if he would visit his son behind bars, "Biser Mihaylov" answers without hesitation: "If he wishes, I would go to him, because I haven't been there in a long time." Thus, the prosecutor makes it clear that despite the tension and public pressure, he is not abandoning his role as a father.

The prosecutor's professional future and faith in change

Regarding his own career and the possible consequences for himself, the Pernik prosecutor is firm that his long tenure speaks for itself. "31 years of service – that speaks for itself. If an investigation is launched against me, I will defend myself," declares Mihaylov.

He is convinced that "everyone must walk their own path, their own Golgotha," but despite everything, he maintains hope for his son's future. "I believe that every person can change. He is young, he turns 23 next month. He decides his own fate," the father summarizes.