Three UK-based Bulgarian nationals are currently on trial in London for allegedly passing secrets to Russia for nearly three years. The trio, Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, are accused of being part of a spy ring between 2020 and 2023. The prosecution claims that the defendants coordinated espionage activities in several European countries, including surveillance on individuals and places of interest to Moscow.
Two other defendants, Orlin Roussev and Biser Dzhambazov, have already pleaded guilty to espionage charges in connection with the alleged spy ring. The group is said to have engaged in sophisticated surveillance activities, including spying on a US airbase in Germany and discussing plans to kidnap or kill opponents of the Kremlin.
Prosecutors argue that the defendants were paid significant amounts of money for their efforts and used various devices such as hidden bugs and jammers. The alleged spy ring is said to have worked with a Russian agent, Jan Marsalek, to obtain information beneficial to Russia. Marsalek, believed to have connections to Russian intelligence, is currently believed to be in Russia.
The trial, which began in London’s Central Criminal Court, is expected to continue until February. Prosecution lawyer Alison Morgan stated that the defendants’ activities caused significant harm to the safety and interests of the United Kingdom. The defendants deny the charges, with Ivanova also facing a charge of possession of false identity documents with improper intention.
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