Three Bulgarians Convicted of Industrial-Scale Espionage for Russia
Three Bulgarian nationals were found guilty of spying for Russia, putting lives at risk through their surveillance of Kremlin opponents across Europe.
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Though Roussev was an IT specialist, he had not deleted the messages and they were not encrypted, painting a revealing picture of not just the spy ring’s activities, but the Kremlin’s interests around Europe.
Three UK-based Bulgarians found guilty of spying for Russia
The Guardian·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
The trio was accused of putting lives in danger as they acted on orders on behalf of Russian intelligence to carry out surveillance across Europe between 2020 and 2023.
3 Bulgarians convicted of spying for Russia across Europe from base in U.K.
NBC News·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The trio was accused of putting lives in danger as they acted on orders on behalf of Russian intelligence to carry out surveillance across Europe between 2020 and 2023.
3 Bulgarians convicted of spying for Russia in U.K., accused of setting "honeytraps" for targets
CBS News·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The three, who were tangled in sexual relationships with one of their handlers or each other, denied being in on the plot and claimed they didn’t know who they were working for or were lied to by their superiors.
3 Bulgarians convicted of spying for Russia across Europe from base in UK
Associated Press·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Summary
A London jury convicted Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, and Tihomir Ivanchev of espionage for Russia, revealing a sophisticated operation involving threats against journalists and military targets. The trio, entangled in personal relationships, denied awareness of the espionage plot, while prosecutors outlined severe actions planned, including kidnappings. Their operations reportedly spanned several countries from 2020 to 2023. The group’s ringleader, Orlin Roussev, had already pleaded guilty, and the police uncovered significant surveillance equipment during raids, indicating high-level espionage on behalf of the Kremlin.
Perspectives
Three Bulgarian nationals in Britain were convicted for espionage on behalf of Russia, accused of conducting surveillance across Europe on perceived Kremlin opponents, and threatening lives.
The defendants, claiming ignorance of their actions, were found to be part of a larger organized espionage network directed by Russian operatives, employing sophisticated tactics and technology.
Investigators uncovered extensive planning and equipment for espionage activities, debunking the defendants' claims of deception, showcasing a serious security threat.