Three Bulgarian nationals have been convicted of espionage in the UK, marking a significant breakthrough in a case involving one of the largest foreign intelligence operations uncovered in Britain. The trio was found guilty of conducting surveillance on journalists and military sites on behalf of Russian intelligence between 2020 and 2023.
Key Takeaways
- Convicted Individuals: Vanya Gaberova (30), Katrin Ivanova (33), and Tihomir Ivanchev (39).
- Operation Duration: The espionage activities spanned from 2020 to 2023.
- Key Targets: Investigative journalists and a U.S. military base in Germany.
- Spy Ring Leader: Orlin Roussev, who has already pleaded guilty.
- Evidence Seized: Over 200,000 messages, sophisticated surveillance equipment, and multiple false identity documents.
Overview of The Spy Ring
The group, which operated under the direction of Orlin Roussev, was involved in a series of sophisticated surveillance operations across Europe. Their activities included targeting prominent journalists known for their critical reporting on the Russian government, as well as monitoring a U.S. military base where Ukrainian soldiers were believed to be training.
Details of The Operations
The court heard about several key operations conducted by the spy ring:
- Targeting Journalists: The group planned to kidnap or kill Christo Grozev, a journalist with Bellingcat, and Roman Dobrokhotov, both of whom have exposed Russian state activities.
- Military Surveillance: They conducted surveillance at Patch Barracks, a U.S. military base in Germany, using advanced technology to gather intelligence on Ukrainian forces.
- Political Espionage: The group also targeted a former Kazakh politician who had sought asylum in the UK, planning to stage a fake protest at the Kazakh embassy to gain favor with the Kazakh government.
The Arrest and Trial
The investigation culminated in a series of arrests in February 2023, following extensive surveillance by counter-terrorism police. The police seized a vast array of espionage equipment, including:
- 221 mobile phones
- 495 SIM cards
- 11 drones
- Concealed cameras and listening devices
- A fake ID card printer
The trial, which began in November 2023, revealed the extent of the group’s operations and their connections to Russian intelligence. Despite their denials, the evidence presented was overwhelming, leading to their conviction.
Implications of The Conviction
The convictions highlight the ongoing threat posed by foreign espionage in the UK, particularly from Russia. Commander Dominic Murphy of the Metropolitan Police emphasized the sophistication of the operation and the potential risks to national security. The case underscores a troubling trend of espionage being outsourced to individuals and groups operating under the radar.
Next Steps
The three convicted individuals are set to be sentenced in May 2025. The case continues to draw attention to the broader implications of espionage activities in Europe, particularly in the context of rising geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of modern espionage and the lengths to which state actors will go to achieve their objectives.
Sources
- Bulgarians guilty of spying for Russia in the UK, BBC.
- 3 Bulgarians Found Guilty of Spying for Russia in UK and Europe, The New York Times.
- 3 Bulgarians convicted of spying for Russia in the UK – POLITICO, POLITICO.eu.
- UK court convicts three Bulgarians of spying for Russia, Euronews.com.
- Three UK-based Bulgarians found guilty of spying for Russia | Espionage, The Guardian.
