In a recent trial at the Old Bailey in London, six individuals from Bulgaria have been found guilty of spying on enemies of Russian President Vladimir Putin, both in the UK and abroad. Among the targets of their surveillance were two journalists who had exposed nerve agent attacks on Russian dissidents Alexei Navalny and Sergei Skripal. The ringleader, Orlin Roussev, was sentenced to 10 years and eight months, while his second-in-command, Biser Dzhambazov, received a sentence of 10 years and two months. Others involved in the operation were given jail terms ranging from six to eight years.
These individuals, including Tihomir Ivanchev, Ivan Stoyanov, and Vanya Gaberova, conducted their spying activities in the UK, Austria, Spain, Germany, and Montenegro, targeting journalists and political figures critical of the Russian government. The trial exposed the inner workings of a Russian spy cell, revealing messages detailing surveillance activities, discussions of kidnapping and murder, as well as connections to wanted figures like Jan Marsalek. Marsalek, linked to Russian intelligence services, is currently on the run and facing allegations of fraud in Germany.
Described as one of the largest foreign intelligence operations in the UK, the case highlighted the growing threat of state espionage and the outsourcing of such activities by certain nations. The gravity of their offenses was underscored by the presiding judge, who emphasized the undermining of democratic values and the security of the UK itself. The sentencing of the conspirators, motivated by substantial financial gains, serves as a warning to those who seek to harm national security and compromise public safety
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