Three Bulgarian nationals residing in the United Kingdom have been found guilty by a London jury of espionage for Russia, an operation the police described as substantial in scale. The defendants, Katrin Ivanova (43), Vanya Gaberova (30), and Tihomir Ivanchev (39), were implicated in surveillance activities that allegedly endangered lives as they acted on directives from Russian intelligence. Their targets included prominent Kremlin opponents, journalists, diplomats, and Ukrainian military personnel.
The jury delivered the verdict at the Old Bailey court on Friday, concluding a significant trial against the trio who engaged in a series of intelligence operations over a span of three years. During the proceedings, it was revealed that one of their ringleaders had affectionately dubbed them “the Minions,” drawing a parallel to the animated sidekicks from the popular film franchise, known for their loyalty in the pursuit of their objectives.
These individuals were associated with the Russian military intelligence agency, the GRU, and they now face potential sentences of up to 14 years in prison. Their sentencing is set for May, alongside three other Bulgarian accomplices who were also involved in the clandestine activities.
The primary figure in this espionage operation, Orlin Roussev (47), and his deputy, Biser Dzhambazov (43), both accepted guilty pleas prior to the trial. Roussev’s financial incentive was reported to be over 200,000 euros (approximately 7,000) which was utilized to sustain the espionage efforts. Key orchestrator Jan Marsalek (44)—an Austrian businessman currently wanted by Interpol following the collapse of Wirecard—was identified as the bridge between Russian intelligence and the spy ring, issuing orders for operations across several European countries until their arrest in 2023.
British prosecutors highlighted that Marsalek tasked the Bulgarian group with monitoring Ukrainian troops under U.S. training in Germany, aiming to track their movements in the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion. Additional operations involved surveillance of investigative journalist Christo Grozev, who played a significant role in reporting on high-profile cases tied to Russian political dissent.
Law enforcement discovered advanced surveillance technology during a raid of Roussev’s operational base in Great Yarmouth, characterized by a variety of creative surveillance devices concealed in everyday objects, drawing an illustrative connection to fictional spy narratives.
The dynamics among the defendants also captured attention, particularly the intertwined relationships that emerged during the trial. Dzhambazov was romantically involved with both Ivanova and Gaberova, which added an unexpected layer to the case. Both women eventually voiced claims of manipulation, stating they had been unwittingly drawn into the espionage scheme.
As this saga unfolds, the complexities of personal relationships and high-stakes international espionage highlight the intriguing narratives that often accompany such cases. The defendants have been remanded in custody as they await sentencing, with the broader implications of their actions echoing across European political landscapes.