International

Six Bulgarians convicted for running Russian spy network in UK and Europe

Thursday, 8 May 2025 12:08AM UTC

A sophisticated Russian espionage ring operating from Great Yarmouth has been dismantled with six Bulgarian nationals convicted for targeting journalists, diplomats, and Ukrainian forces. The case reveals advanced spying tactics and alarming political connections across Europe.

Exposed: The Rise and Fall of a Russian Espionage Network in the UK

In a landmark case that has drawn international attention, six Bulgarian nationals have been convicted for their roles in a sophisticated espionage network operating on behalf of the Russian state. The group, which operated from Great Yarmouth, has been implicated in a series of surveillance activities that spanned across Europe, targeting journalists, diplomats, and even Ukrainian forces.

Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Katrin Ivanova, 33, two of the network's key operatives, have been labelled 'The Brunette Twins' by their ringleader, Orlin Roussev. This epithet alludes to their roles in entrapment schemes, known as "honeytraps," which aimed to compromise individuals of interest to the Kremlin. Prosecutor Alison Morgan, KC, during the trial emphasized that the women acted independently and were not merely pawns manipulated by their male counterparts. Morgan asserted that their claims of being deceived could not be substantiated by the evidence presented in court.

The group’s operations extended beyond mere surveillance; they reportedly planned to abduct or eliminate critics of the Kremlin, with some of their activities aimed at high-profile targets like the Bulgarian journalist Christo Grozev. Hidden cameras, sophisticated jamming devices, and trackers concealed in ordinary household items were among the tools discovered during police investigations at Roussev’s residence. This level of sophistication suggests a well-funded operation with access to advanced technology—a chilling reminder of the lengths to which states might go to silence dissent.

The prosecution’s case revealed a concerning pattern of conduct: between August 2020 and February 2023, the group, which included Roussev, Bizer Dzhambazov, and Ivan Stoyanov, conducted espionage activities across several countries, including Austria and Spain. Their methods included using codenames reminiscent of popular culture figures—like 'Jackie Chan' and 'Mad Max'—to cloak their intelligence-gathering efforts. This theatricality seems to highlight both the seriousness and absurdity of their enterprise.

As the convictions became public, the ramifications of this espionage ring echoed across the political landscape. Reports have indicated that the network had links to high-ranking Bulgarian officials. Witness statements unveiled the connections that Dzhambazov boasted regarding prominent Bulgarian politicians, suggesting that the espionage activities may not have occurred in isolation. Such ties could potentially alter perceptions of Bulgaria’s involvement in European security matters, particularly as the continent grapples with ongoing tensions stemming from Russian aggression.

Additionally, the sentencing of the convicted individuals is set to take place imminently, with potential sentences of up to 14 years in prison looming over them. The proceedings signal a significant response to what has been referred to as "industrial-scale espionage," resonating with other recent high-profile espionage cases across Europe. The European Union continues to confront the complex nexus of security and intelligence as it seeks to fortify its borders against external threats.

The trial has also reignited discussions surrounding the broader implications of foreign espionage on European soil, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions heightened by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The UK’s legal actions serve as a stark reminder of the ever-looming threat posed by foreign espionage efforts, necessitating vigilance and cooperative international responses.

As the dust settles on this espionage case, the question remains: how many such networks are still operational, lurking in the shadows, and what further revelations might emerge from the ongoing investigations? The implications of these developments will likely resonate within political corridors for years to come, reinforcing the need for robust counter-espionage measures in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Reference Map:

Paragraph 1 – [[1]](https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2052027/Russia-spies-network-Yarmouth-Ukraine-Putin-UK-London), [[2]](https://apnews.com/article/10f42e45bde7d8f15a3c07c6a6540f39)
Paragraph 2 – [[1]](https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2052027/Russia-spies-network-Yarmouth-Ukraine-Putin-UK-London), [[4]](https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/bulgarian-trio-convicted-conspiring-spy-russia)
Paragraph 3 – [[2]](https://apnews.com/article/10f42e45bde7d8f15a3c07c6a6540f39), [[6]](https://www.ft.com/content/0c18388c-f4a6-4c07-9a73-0cc866367067)
Paragraph 4 – [[3]](https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/cps-authorises-charges-against-five-people-suspected-spying-russia), [[5]](https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1816962/russian-spies-bulgaria-putin-uk)
Paragraph 5 – [[1]](https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2052027/Russia-spies-network-Yarmouth-Ukraine-Putin-UK-London), [[6]](https://www.ft.com/content/0c18388c-f4a6-4c07-9a73-0cc866367067)

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2052027/Russia-spies-network-Yarmouth-Ukraine-Putin-UK-London - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://apnews.com/article/10f42e45bde7d8f15a3c07c6a6540f39 - Six Bulgarian nationals have been convicted in London's Central Criminal Court for conducting espionage on behalf of Russia across Europe. The group, led by Orlin Roussev, used codenames like 'Jackie Chan' and 'Mad Max' for their intelligence-gathering operations, which spanned the UK, Austria, Spain, and Montenegro between 2020 and 2023. Their targets included journalists, diplomats, and Ukrainian troops. Roussev, along with Bizer Dzhambazov and Ivan Stoyanov, pleaded guilty to espionage and use of false identity documents. Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, and Tihomir Ivanchev were convicted after a trial. Prosecutors highlighted the group's intent to abduct or eliminate Kremlin critics and noted their surveillance of a U.S. airbase in Germany. The spy gear found at Roussev’s residence included hidden cameras, jamming devices, and trackers concealed in everyday items. The group was linked to Jan Marsalek, a fugitive wanted for financial crimes. A failed 'honeytrap' plot to ensnare a Bulgarian journalist and a plan targeting Bellingcat’s Christo Grozev further underlined their threat. The sentencing could result in up to 14 years of imprisonment for their roles in what authorities have called 'industrial-scale espionage.'
https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/cps-authorises-charges-against-five-people-suspected-spying-russia - The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has authorized charges of conspiracy to conduct espionage against five Bulgarian nationals suspected of spying for Russia. The individuals—Orlin Roussev, Bizer Dzhambazov, Katrin Ivanova, Ivan Stoyanov, and Vanya Gaberova—are accused of conspiring to collect information intended to be useful to an enemy between August 2020 and February 2023. Roussev, Dzhambazov, and Ivanova were previously charged with possession of false identity documents. The charges follow an investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command. Criminal proceedings against the five individuals are active, and they each have the right to a fair trial. The CPS emphasized the importance of not sharing information online that could prejudice these proceedings.
https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/bulgarian-trio-convicted-conspiring-spy-russia - Three members of a Russian spy ring have been convicted in the UK for espionage activities conducted over three years. Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, were found guilty of conspiracy to spy at the Central Criminal Court following a trial. Ivanova was also found guilty of possessing identity documents with improper intention in relation to fake passports and ID cards. Three further members of the spy ring—Orlin Roussev, 47, Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, and Ivan Stoyanov, 32—previously pleaded guilty to spying offences. The team, all Bulgarian nationals, worked under the direction of Roussev and were tasked with gathering information about prominent individuals and significant locations of interest to the Russian state. Between August 2020 and February 2023, the group used sophisticated methods to carry out their surveillance, including manufacturing and using fake identities, making and adapting covert recording devices, and deploying advanced technology to acquire information. They compiled detailed reports on their targets and were paid significant sums of money for their work. Roussev received his instructions from Jan Marsalek, who was acting as the intermediary for the Russian Intelligence Services.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1816962/russian-spies-bulgaria-putin-uk - Five Bulgarian nationals have appeared in court charged with spying and carrying out surveillance to assist Vladimir Putin's Russia. The three men and two women are accused of conspiring to gather information that would be useful to an enemy between August 2020 and February this year. Orlin Roussev, 45, of Princes Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk; Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, of High Road, Harrow, north-west London; Katrin Ivanova, 31, of the same Harrow address; Ivan Stoyanov, 31, from Bannister Close, Greenford, west London; and Vanya Gaberova, 29, from Churchfield Road, Acton, north-west London, are charged with conspiring to collect information intended to be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy for a purpose prejudicial to the safety and interest of the state between August 30, 2020, and February 8, 2023. The five, who all have EU settled status, appeared via video link at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday morning and only spoke to confirm they could hear and see the court, to state their names and dates of birth. Roussev, Dzhambazov, and Ivanova were previously charged on February 11, 2023, with possession of false identity documents with improper intention under section 4 of the Identity Documents Act 2010. The court heard that all five defendants were arrested in February this year for offences contrary to the Official Secrets Act. The five are alleged to be part of a 'network' conducting surveillance on behalf of the Russian state. The court was told that a large part took place abroad but coordination took place in the UK. None of the accused entered pleas at court and all appeared via videolink from four different prisons, with the two female defendants appearing from HMP Bronzefield, in Surrey. The defendants are accused of conspiring to collect information with 'another person known as Jan Marsalek and others unknown'. Mr. Marsalek was the Austrian former chief operating officer of the company Wirecard, who became a wanted man in Germany after being suspected of having committed fraud. The five defendants were remanded into custody until their next appearance at the Old Bailey on October 13 by Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram.
https://www.ft.com/content/0c18388c-f4a6-4c07-9a73-0cc866367067 - A UK-based spy ring had links to top Bulgarian politicians, according to court testimony. Biser Dzhambazov claimed to have strong relationships with Bulgarian politicians, including President Rumen Radev. Along with Orlin Roussev, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to spy for Russia. Three Bulgarians are being tried for conspiracy and are accused of operating under the supervision of former Wirecard COO Jan Marsalek. Katrin Ivanova, one of the accused, denies the charges and alleges she was deceived by her partner, Dzhambazov. The court heard that the group spied on Bulgarian journalist Christo Grozev and also participated in Bulgarian elections in the UK. The trial is ongoing.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative appears to be recent and tied to ongoing geopolitical tensions. However, specific details about the timing of the convictions and the exact nature of the operations could indicate that the story is relatively new but may have been developing over time.

Quotes check

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative includes quotes from Prosecutor Alison Morgan, KC, but does not provide the earliest known reference online. The quotes seem authentic but lack verification.

Source reliability

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative originates from The Express, a UK-based publication known for its sensationalist reporting style. While it is a well-known source, its reliability can vary based on the journalist and topic.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims about the espionage network and its operations are plausible given the geopolitical context and recent espionage cases in Europe. However, some details, such as the extent of Bulgarian official involvement, require further verification.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative seems to be relatively fresh and plausible within the current geopolitical context. However, the lack of verified quotes and potential for sensationalism in the reporting style means that while the story is likely true, it merits further investigation to confirm specific details.

Espionage
Russia
Bulgaria
UK Security
European Intelligence