Six Bulgarians received prison sentences up to nearly 11 years in the UK for conducting sophisticated Russian espionage operations that targeted Kremlin critics and planned potential kidnappings or assassinations.
At a Glance
- Six Bulgarian nationals were convicted in London for running a Russian spy ring, receiving prison sentences ranging from 2 to nearly 11 years
- The spy cell used Hollywood-inspired code names like “Jackie Chan” and “Mad Max” while planning surveillance and potential harm to Kremlin opponents
- Ringleader Orlin Roussev, who worked for wanted Russian agent Jan Marsalek, received the longest sentence of 10 years and 8 months
- The group conducted operations across Europe, including surveillance of journalists, diplomats, and a U.S. air base in Germany
- All six face deportation after serving their sentences, in a case British authorities call a warning to hostile states
Russian Espionage Network Dismantled
A network of six Bulgarian nationals has been sentenced in the United Kingdom for conducting espionage operations on behalf of Russia. The group, which operated with sophisticated tactics borrowed from spy thrillers, received prison sentences extending up to nearly 11 years following their conviction in London. The spy cell targeted journalists, diplomats, and Ukrainian troops across multiple European countries between 2020 and 2023, engaging in surveillance operations while discussing potential kidnappings and assassinations of Kremlin critics.
Justice Nicholas Hilliard, who presided over the case, emphasized the gravity of the defendants’ actions in using the UK as a base for planning their operations. While prosecutors noted that no physical harm was ultimately carried out, the espionage activities nonetheless endangered lives and threatened national security interests. The case highlights the ongoing presence of Russian intelligence operations on British soil despite years of diplomatic tensions between London and Moscow.
Ringleader and Operations
The operation’s mastermind, Orlin Roussev, received the harshest penalty with a sentence of 10 years and 8 months. Evidence presented during the trial revealed Roussev’s connections to Jan Marsalek, a high-profile Russian agent currently wanted by Interpol. Roussev and his lieutenant, Biser Dzhambazov, both pleaded guilty to conducting espionage for Russia and possessing false identity documents. The group employed Hollywood-inspired code names for their operations, including “Jackie Chan,” “Mad Max,” and “Minions.”
“I would be thrilled to see how on God’s earth there is a connection between me and Russia or any other state because I haven’t been a spy or government agent. No James Bond activity on my end, I guarantee you.”, said Orlin Roussev.
Despite Roussev’s denials, investigators discovered surveillance equipment and evidence of communication with Marsalek. The group’s operations included attempting to lure a journalist into a “honeytrap” and planning possible harm against Bulgarian researcher Christo Grozev, known for investigating Russian intelligence activities. Their activities extended beyond Britain to include surveillance of a U.S. air base in Germany, demonstrating the international scope of their espionage network.
Impact on Victims and National Security
The espionage activities carried profound consequences for those targeted. Christo Grozev, a Bulgarian investigative journalist who researches Russian intelligence operations, provided testimony about the psychological impact of learning he had been under surveillance. The court heard how other potential victims included diplomats and Ukrainian military personnel, underscoring the serious national security implications. Security Minister Dan Jarvis stated that the case serves as a clear warning to hostile states about Britain’s capabilities to detect and counteract covert intelligence operations.
“It is self-evident that a high price attaches to the safety and interests of this nation. The defendants put these things at risk by using this country as a base from which to plan the various operations. … Anyone who uses this country in that way, in the circumstances of this case, commits a very serious offense.”, said Justice Nicholas Hilliard.
The other members of the spy ring received varying sentences based on their level of involvement. Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev were each convicted and sentenced to prison terms, while Ivan Stoyanov, a mixed martial arts fighter, also pleaded guilty. Gaberova claimed she had been manipulated by Dzhambazov, but the judge determined she was fully aware that her actions were in service to Russia. Following their prison terms, all six individuals will face deportation from the United Kingdom.
