Three Bulgarian nationals living in the UK have been found guilty of espionage for Russia following a jury trial in London, marking a significant crack in one of the largest Russian intelligence operations to date. The group, led by Orlin Roussev, 47, conducted multiple surveillance missions over a three-year span, focusing on journalists and critics of the Kremlin, as well as monitoring a U.S. military facility in Germany believed to be used for training Ukrainian soldiers.
Three Bulgarians Convicted of Espionage for Russia in the UK
Three Bulgarians Convicted of Espionage for Russia in the UK
A London jury has convicted three Bulgarians of espionage, exposing a major Russian spying operation across Europe.
Prosecutors outlined the gang's extensive spying activities, asserting that state threats linked to Russia are on the rise in the UK. Alongside Roussev, two others, Katrin Ivanova, 33, and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, denied involvement but were ultimately convicted. Preceding the trial, Roussev and two other members, Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, and Ivan Stoyanov, 34, entered guilty pleas. The group is set for sentencing this May, highlighting ongoing concerns about espionage tactics being outsourced by nation-states.
