An ongoing investigation into a Russian espionage cell operating in the United Kingdom has revealed that three individuals previously convicted for spying were present during Brexit debates held in the Palace of Westminster in 2016. The convicted spies—Orlin Roussev, Biser Dzhambazov, and Katrin Ivanova—have been confirmed to have attended these debates, with at least two confirmed through photographs captured during the event.
The images, identified by the BBC, depict Roussev and Dzhambazov among the attendees, who gathered to discuss the implications of the United Kingdom's potential departure from the European Union. Acquaintances from that period corroborated the presence of Roussev and Dzhambazov, and there is a strong likelihood that Ivanova was also in attendance.
Roussev, identified as the leader of the spy cell, successfully pleaded guilty to various spying charges, a decision mirrored by his associate Dzhambazov. Ivanova, along with co-defendants Tihomir Ivanchev and Vanya Gaberova, was convicted of related offences following a lengthy trial that spanned four months at the Old Bailey in London.
The contribution of these individuals to the Brexit discussions remains unclear. Baroness Brown of Silvertown, the event's organiser, noted that she had no recollection of the group in question. In response to these revelations, a parliamentary spokesperson stated that while the building is accessible to the public, there are comprehensive security measures in place. Notably, there is currently no suggestion that Baroness Brown or any parliamentary authorities have engaged in wrongdoing.
Roussev’s involvement has raised questions about the broader security implications surrounding foreign nationals attending public deliberative events within the UK’s legislative framework. The investigation underlines the ongoing concerns regarding espionage and foreign influence in British politics, particularly in the context of key national issues such as Brexit.
Source: Noah Wire Services