Bulgarian Spy Ring Trial: Examination of 80,000 Messages Revealed
Five Bulgarian Nationals Accused of Espionage for Russia Appear in Court
Overt Operator
October 13, 2023
In a high-profile case, five Bulgarian nationals accused of being part of a Russian spy ring in Britain appeared in court today. The trial, expected to last at least six weeks, will involve the examination of up to 80,000 messages, according to court documents.
The defendants, Orlin Roussev, Bizer Dzhambazov, Katrin Ivanova, Ivan Stoyanov, and Vanya Gaberova, are alleged to have conspired to collect information intended to be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy for a purpose prejudicial to the safety and interest of the state between August 30, 2020, and February 8, 2023. The charges were brought under the Official Secrets Act.
During the preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey, the defendants appeared via video link from different prisons, including HMP Belmarsh, HMP Frankland, and HMP Bronzefield. They spoke only to confirm their names and dates of birth.
The trial, presided over by Judge Mr Justice Jeremy Baker, is expected to be complex due to the vast amount of evidence, including 80,000 messages, that needs to be considered.
Defense counsel for Roussev, Stephen Kamlish KC, suggested that the trial could require even longer than the estimated six weeks.
The defendants were initially arrested in February this year by the Metropolitan Police Counter-Terrorism Command under the Official Secrets Act.
In addition to espionage charges, Roussev, Dzhambazov, and Ivanova were also charged with possession of false identity documents with improper intention under the Identity Documents Act 2010.
Last month, Westminsters Magistrates' Court heard that the group was accused of being part of a surveillance network allegedly coordinated within the UK.
The defendants are believed to have conspired with an individual named Jan Marsalek and others unknown to collect sensitive information.
Jan Marsalek, an Austrian former chief operating officer, is not currently on trial and remains at large.
As the trial date has yet to be set, the case will continue to attract attention from both national and international media outlets. The examination of 80,000 messages is expected to shed light on the alleged espionage activities and the extent of the network involved.
The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for national security and diplomatic relations between Bulgaria, Russia, and the United Kingdom. As developments arise, further updates will be provided on this ongoing case.