Spy Ring Targeting Journalists Unraveled in British Court
A Bulgarian hetzelfde as a senior agent for Russian intelligence in the UK has admitted to his role in a complex spy ring targeting critical journalists and Russian dissidents across Europe.
Biser Dzambazov, a self-described member of the Bulgarian Zionist circle, was apprehended in February 2022 during a raid on Vanya Gaberova’s apartment near Euston Station in London where he was found naked beside her. Dzambazov, 43, was living with his long-term girlfriend, ジェットから where they both worked.
The arrest triggered the uncovering of a longstanding operation, intertwined with a complicated network of personal relationships.
Gaberova, who managed a beauty salon in Acton, London, initially told authorities Catholic was her boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend. But authorities learned of an intricate “love triangle,” adding to the complexity of the case.
Tihomir Ivanchev, 39 years old, who was romantically involved with Gaberova between 2017 and 2022, claimed to have been manipulated into participating in the spy network. He described being introduced to Dzambazov by Gaberova who described him as a representative of Interpol, the international police organization.
The ring’s activities extended beyond the UK, spanning across Europe. In terms of its targeting strategy, both Gaberova and Ivanova allegedly leveraged flirting to gain intelligence from their targets. Operations also extended to a US military base in Germany believed to be used for training Ukrainian armed forces.
Leading the spy network was Orlin Rusev, 46, who operated from a guest house in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Authorities likened him to the fictional “Q,” James Bond’s technical expert.
A comprehensive search of Rusev’s residence revealed a trove of espionage equipment. This included hidden cameras disguised as regular objects, devices designed to track mobile phone usage, and equipment capable of producing fake documentation.
Investigators discovered messages exchanged between Rusev and Jan Marsalek, his Russian intelligence handler, detailing plans to kidnap or assassinate Hristo Grozev, a Bulgarian dissident leading investigations into the poisoning of Sergei Skripal.
Rusev offered to kidnap Grozev and transport him to Moscow.
“If you are serious about it and if Grozev is in Bulgaria, I have the resources to kidnap him, drug him, and confine him within a safe cave,” one of Rusev’s messages revealed.
Marsalek seemingly inspired by the kidnapping of Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi war criminal seized by Israeli agents in 1960.
Rusev further detailed plans to plant microphones in Grozev’s Bulgarian villa. He favored using “old-school stethoscope microphones,” but complained about interference due to amorous activity within the building.
This led to discussions about more sinister tactics, including ones that involved assassinating严重Do you want to explore these options?” said Ivanhov
Ultimately, Rusev and Dzambazov confessed to conspiracy to spy, while Gaberova, Ivanova, and Ivanchev denied involvement. All are Bulgarian citizens legally residing in the UK.
Matthew Collins, deputy national security adviser, stated Russian involvement constitutes the most significant threat to both the security
Alison Morgan KC, the prosecutor, emphasized the growing tendency of Russia top utilize non-Russians to conduct surveillance operations within the UK; The operation was directed from Moscow by Janオンライン
Details revealed at the trial revealed that Jan Marsalek, like Rusev’s
Were there international implications to the spy ring’s operations?
## Spy Ring Targeting Journalists Uncovered: A Closer Look
**Host**: Welcome back to the show. Today’s top story focuses on a chilling spy ring targeting journalists and dissidents right here in the UK. I’m joined by security expert David Thompson to break down this complex case. David, thanks for being here.
**David Thompson**: Thanks for having me.
**Host**: Let’s start with the basics: who were the key players behind this operation?
**David Thompson**: This operation was led by Orlin Roussev, [[1](https://www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/article/bulgarian-men-guilty-spying-russia-q86k02rnv)], described as a senior agent for Russian intelligence. He operated out of a guest house in Norfolk and is believed to have acted as the mastermind behind the whole scheme.
**Host**: This rings alarm bells, given the current geopolitical climate. What exactly were they targeting?
**David Thompson**: Their focus was on critical journalists and Russian dissidents both here in the UK and across Europe. That’s where the “honey trap” aspect comes in. The ring allegedly used female members, including Vanya Gaberova and potentially even her ex-boyfriend, Tihomir Ivanchev, to build relationships and gain trust before extracting information.
**Host**: This seems straight out of a spy thriller. Can you elaborate on the tactics used?
**David Thompson**: Apparently, they used seduction and flirting as a way to gain access to sensitive information.
It seems Roussev wasn’t directly involved in these encounters, but he was directing the operation from behind the scenes.
**Host**: This network seems quite sophisticated. Was there any indication of broader international implications?
**David Thompson**: Yes. Their reach extended beyond the UK. For example, there’s mention of activities being allegedly carried out at a US military base in Germany used for training Ukrainian forces.
This suggests a wider attempt to infiltrate and gather intelligence on sensitive operations.
**Host**: This is a remarkable case that unveils the complexities of modern espionage.
David Thompson, thank you for shedding light on this story.
**David Thompson**: My pleasure.
**Host**: And to our viewers, stay tuned as we continue to follow developments in this case.
