5 Accused Of Operating Russian Spy Ring In UK Appear in Court.

By Olusiji Balogun

Five Bulgarian nationals accused of operating a Russian spy ring within the United Kingdom are to faced court proceedings today.

Orlin Roussev, Bizer Dzhambazov, Katrin Ivanova, Ivan Stoyanov, and Vanya Gaberova have been charged with conspiring to gather intelligence beneficial to an unidentified enemy, believed to be Russia.

The alleged espionage activities, which spanned from August 2020 to February 2023, involved extensive surveillance on individuals and locations targeted by the Russian government. These activities are suspected to have facilitated potential hostile actions, including abductions, against the identified targets.

The suspects were denied bail and have been remanded in custody following their appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. During the hearing, they did not enter any pleas and mainly confirmed their personal details.

The Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism officers arrested the accused individuals in February, invoking the Official Secrets Act. The suspects, along with their respective places of residence, include: Orlin Roussev, 45, residing in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, living in Harrow, north-west London, Katrin Ivanova, 31, also at the Harrow address, Ivan Stoyanov, 31, hailing from Greenford, west London and Vanya Gaberova, 29, residing in Churchway, north-west London.

Prosecutor Kathryn Selby described Mr. Roussev’s residence in Great Yarmouth as the “operating hub” for the alleged espionage offense. It is claimed that Mr. Roussev managed and coordinated the spy ring’s activities from the UK, with operations conducted in both the UK and Europe.

The prosecution further alleged that the five defendants conspired with an individual referred to as “Jan Marsalek.” However, Mr. Marsalek is not facing charges in this case. It is believed that Mr. Roussev received instructions from abroad, primarily from Jan Marsalek, who is known for his association with the now-defunct Wirecard and is a fugitive wanted in Germany for alleged fraud. Jan Marsalek is believed to have fled to Russia via Belarus.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram announced that the five accused individuals would appear at the Old Bailey on October 13, 2023, for further proceedings in this high-profile case.