Three Bulgarian nationals—Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, and Tihomir Ivanchev—have been convicted of spying for Russia by London’s Old Bailey. Their espionage activities, conducted between 2020 and 2023, included gathering intelligence on journalists, dissidents, diplomats, and politicians.
Espionage Operation and Key Figures
The group was led by Orlin Roussev, a specialist in covert intelligence, with assistance from Biser Dzhambazov. Both had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to spy. Their activities involved advanced surveillance techniques, including the use of falsified identities.
Investigators discovered their link to Jan Marsalek, the fugitive former COO of Wirecard, who fled to Moscow after the financial firm’s collapse in 2020. Marsalek reportedly coordinated the operation, connecting the spies with Russian intelligence agencies.
Impact on UK Security
This case underscores the growing threat of espionage in the UK. Following the 2018 Salisbury poisoning, the UK expelled several Russian spies, creating an intelligence gap. The convicted Bulgarians were allegedly filling that void on behalf of the Russian government.
Sentencing and Consequences
The three convicted spies face up to 14 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for May. This case highlights how criminal networks are being used for state-sponsored espionage, posing serious national security concerns.