Orlin Rusev and Biser Jambazov have admitted that they were part of a spy network operating in favor of Russia, the London court announced on Thursday, News.bg reports. and Reuters.
Their confessions were revealed at the beginning of the trial against a group of Bulgarians accused of the same network.
Accusations and key figures
Katrin Ivanova (33), Vanya Gaberova (30) and Tikhomir Ivanchev (39) are accused of conspiracy to commit espionage along with others, including Russian agent under the pseudonym Richard Titz. Ivanova also faces additional charges of possession of false identification documents. The three deny all charges.
According to prosecutor Alison Morgan, the defendants spied for Russia in the period 2020–2023. "These defendants, along with other individuals, carried out operations that directly or indirectly benefited Russia," Morgan said in court.
The indictment alleges the group conducted surveillance, used false identities and deployed advanced technology. They have also produced detailed reports in exchange for significant financial rewards.
The investigation and arrests
The case gained publicity in August 2022, when it was reported that three Bulgarians had been detained in Great Britain on suspicion of espionage. Then it became clear that they were arrested already in February 2022. as part of a wider investigation.
Orlin Rusev, considered a leading figure in the group, has many years of experience in the technology business. The court revealed that Rusev and Jambazov pleaded guilty to participating in the espionage activity, but so far there is no official information about possible agreements with the prosecution.
Next steps
The trial against the remaining defendants, including Ivanova, Gaberova and Ivanchev, continues, with the case expected to shed more light on the network's scope and methods. Western intelligence services continue to investigate the group's activities and its potential connection to Russian intelligence.
The case highlights the activity of Russian espionage networks in Europe and the UK's commitment to investigate and prosecute such activities. The spy affair involving Bulgarian citizens also raises questions about the role of side agents in international espionage.