In a landmark verdict, a Russian spy ring operating in the United Kingdom has been dismantled, marking the conclusion of Britain’s most extensive espionage investigation to date.
Five individuals, all Bulgarian nationals, have been convicted for their roles in conducting surveillance, plotting kidnaps, and engaging in disinformation campaigns on behalf of Russian intelligence.
The Convictions
Following a 12-week trial at the Old Bailey, Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, were found guilty of conspiracy to spy. Two further members of the ring, Orlin Roussev and Bizer Dzhambazov, had previously admitted to espionage charges before their trial commenced late last year.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, described the case as an instance of “industrial-scale spying” orchestrated by Russia’s intelligence services. He stated that the case was “one of the largest spying investigations” he had encountered in over two decades in counterterrorism.
The Espionage Network
The spy ring was led by Roussev, who had direct links to Jan Marsalek, a fugitive tech executive and one of Europe’s most wanted men. Marsalek, formerly the chief operating officer of Wirecard, a now-collapsed German payments company, fled to Russia in 2020 amid a massive financial scandal. It was through Wirecard that Marsalek established ties with Roussev, allegedly using company funds to finance espionage activities.
From their base in Great Yarmouth, the group conducted surveillance on high-profile targets, including Ukrainian military personnel undergoing training in Europe. Their operations extended to plotting the abduction of Russian dissidents in Britain and Montenegro. One such plan involved the attempted kidnapping of investigative journalist Roman Dobrokhotov, known for exposing Kremlin-linked scandals, by boat. Another involved discussions around abducting dissident lawyer Kirill Kachur from Montenegro, with Marsalek reportedly stating that his death would not be an issue if extraction proved unfeasible.
Surveillance and Tradecraft
During a police raid at the Great Yarmouth guesthouse that served as the group’s operational hub, authorities discovered a cache of espionage equipment. Among the items seized were hidden cameras concealed within ties, rock-like audiovisual devices, and surveillance gadgets embedded in everyday objects such as soft toys and drink bottles.
One of the most significant targets of the group was journalist Christo Grozev, known for his role in uncovering the identities of the Russian operatives responsible for the 2018 Salisbury Novichok poisonings. Gaberova, operating as an informant, befriended Grozev on social media and later photographed him covertly during a meeting in Spain. Internal communications revealed that members of the spy ring discussed using Gaberova as a ‘honeytrap’ agent against Grozev, with Marsalek and Roussev exchanging messages about exploiting her in compromising situations.
The Role of Russian Intelligence
British authorities believe that the group reported directly to the Russian intelligence services, likely the GRU. Their intelligence-gathering missions extended beyond surveillance, as they attempted to track the training of Ukrainian forces at NATO facilities. One method involved the use of an IMSI grabber, a device capable of intercepting mobile phone data, to determine the locations of US-made Patriot missile systems.
The network’s links to Russia were further evidenced by its trade in secret weapons technology with China, a key ally of Moscow.
Ongoing Investigations
Despite the convictions, police have confirmed that investigations into the network are still ongoing. Authorities believe that additional Russian sleeper cells may be operating in the UK. Commander Murphy noted, “The reality is this won’t be the only activity Russia is conducting here in the UK, and we have seen other disruptions in recent months.”
Security Minister Dan Jarvis praised the prosecution as a warning to hostile foreign actors. “Individuals who posed a serious threat to the UK have been disrupted and brought to justice,” he said, adding that “any activity that might pose a threat to our security and public safety will be met by the full force of the law.”
Sentencing and Future Implications
The convicted individuals are set to be sentenced in May. Justice Hilliard, overseeing the case, has stated that immediate custodial sentences are inevitable, given the severity of the offences. The court will take into account personal circumstances, including the romantic entanglements among members of the ring, with both Ivanova and Gaberova claiming they were deceived by Dzhambazov.
This case underscores the persistent threat posed by Russian intelligence operations in Europe and the continued efforts of UK security agencies to counter espionage activities on British soil.
