In brief
In a significant espionage case, three Bulgarians residing in the UK have been found guilty of spying for the Russian state. This operation, described as one of the largest ever revealed by British authorities, involved extensive surveillance actions over a three-year span, from 2020 to 2023. Leaders of the group, including Orlin Roussev, conducted operations against journalists and even monitored a U.S. military base in Germany, believed to be training Ukrainian soldiers.
The defendants—Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, and Tihomir Ivanchev—claimed they were unaware they were working for Russian interests. They are among six Bulgarians caught up in this high-profile case, with others having already pleaded guilty. The London Metropolitan Police emphasized that this case showcases the increased risks posed by foreign state threats, especially from Russia. Sentencing for the convicted parties is slated for May.
