Three Bulgarians Convicted of Espionage for Russia in the UK
Three Bulgarian nationals residing in London have been convicted of espionage activities on behalf of Russia within the United Kingdom. The individuals are Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, and Tihomir Ivanchev. According to the prosecution, they were part of a larger group that conducted surveillance operations between 2020 and 2023, targeting various individuals including journalists, a former politician, and a German military base.
The court has found all three guilty of conspiracy to commit espionage, a charge that carries a potential maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. In addition to the conspiracy charge, 33-year-old Ivanova was also found guilty of possessing false identity documents.
Prosecutors revealed that the trio operated under the direction of Orlin Roussev, a 47-year-old Bulgarian who managed the espionage efforts from his home in Norfolk. Law enforcement officials uncovered multiple surveillance devices at Roussev's residence. The investigation further disclosed that Roussev was in contact with Jan Marsalek, the former chief operating officer of the online payment company Wirecard, who has been a fugitive since 2020 due to fraud allegations. Marsalek, an Austrian national, has been characterized by the British Crown Prosecution as a middleman for Russian intelligence services.
The ramifications of this case highlight the ongoing threats posed by espionage and foreign interference, especially as it relates to sensitive information and national security. As the legal proceedings advance, the UK continues to bolster its defenses against covert activities that target its political structures and information security.
Related Sources: