A group of Bulgarians has been convicted at the Old Bailey for conspiring to carry out extensive surveillance operations on behalf of Russia, raising alarms over national security and international relations.
In a significant espionage case that has drawn international attention, a group of Bulgarians has been found guilty of conspiring to spy for Russia, with their activities stretching over three years and involving complex surveillance operations. The sentencing for these individuals is pending, following their conviction at the Old Bailey last week.
The group, which has been dubbed the “Minions” due to their operations resembling the notorious yellow sidekicks of the animated film franchise, consists of beautician Vanya Gaberova, 30, decorator Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, and lab technician Katrin Ivanova, 33. They were found guilty of spying on an “industrial scale,” posing a serious threat to lives and national security. Alongside them, the ringleader Orlin Roussev, 47, his second-in-command Biser Dzhambazov, 43, and Ivan Stoyanov, 32, who had previously admitted to their roles, will also face sentencing.
The operation involved the targeted surveillance of various individuals, including high-profile dissidents. Notably, Russian lawyer Kirill Kachur disclosed that he was hunted by the spy team, which intended to kidnap him and return him to Moscow, either dead or alive, for a price of £700,000. In an interview, Kachur expressed his alarm about being a target of this group, stating, “I only found out I was a target after reading my name in the news.” He had fled Moscow in early 2021 amidst threats from the Russian authorities, believing both the FSB and President Vladimir Putin sought his demise.
Kachur reported that while on the run, he had received multiple threats regarding his safety and was informed by friends that he was being pursued. He learned of the spy ring’s intentions to abduct him through media reports, revealing the chilling extent of the group’s reach. The spy ring was allegedly orchestrated by Jan Marsalek, an Austrian businessman wanted by Interpol, who directed operations from abroad.
The group’s methods included deploying operatives in the UK, using ‘honeytrap’ tactics to lure potential targets, which involved coercing women into roles that could assist with espionage missions. Surveillance equipment, including sophisticated devices such as an ‘IMSI grabber’, designed to intercept mobile communications, was reportedly stored at a guesthouse in Norfolk, where Roussev was arrested.
The case has highlighted the complex web of espionage activities linking Russian operatives to local recruits, suggesting a broader strategy by the Russian state to exert influence and security threats beyond its borders. As the trial unfolded, it revealed a network engaging in both low-level spying and sophisticated intelligence operations, endangering both individuals and national security.
In the aftermath of the verdict, the members of this espionage ring face the prospect of lengthy prison sentences as authorities continue to grapple with the implications of their actions on international security and diplomatic relations.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://news.met.police.uk/news/group-convicted-of-being-part-of-russian-spying-operation-494869 – This article corroborates the conviction of a group of Bulgarians for spying on behalf of Russia, highlighting their sophisticated surveillance operations across Europe.
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bulgarians-convicted-spying-russia-in-uk-accused-honeytraps/ – This report supports the claim that the group used ‘honeytrap’ tactics and targeted high-profile individuals, including journalists, as part of their espionage activities.
- https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/07/britain-finds-3-bulgarians-guilty-of-spying-for-russia-a88290 – This article details the conviction of three Bulgarians for spying and outlines the group’s complex operations, including targeting investigative journalists.
- https://www.interpol.int/en/How-we-work/Notices/View-Red-Notices – This Interpol webpage could provide information on Jan Marsalek, an Austrian businessman wanted by Interpol, although specific details about his involvement in this case might not be available.
- https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62446976 – This BBC report likely covers the trial and conviction of the Bulgarian spy ring, providing additional details on their methods and targets.
- https://www.euronews.com/2025/03/08/uk-court-convicts-bulgarians-of-spying-for-russia – This article from Euronews would corroborate the international attention drawn to the case and provide further insights into the group’s activities and the implications for international security.
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14455493/On-trail-Putins-bed-hopping-spies-Soviet-era-tower-block-remote-mountain-village-GEORGE-ODLING-pieces-lives-Bulgarians-came-Britain-spy-Russia.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative appears to be recent, given the mention of a trial at the Old Bailey and pending sentencing. However, specific dates for the trial or sentencing are not provided, which could help confirm its freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The quote from Kirill Kachur is included, but there is no clear indication of its original source or date. It is possible that this is the first reported use of the quote, but without further verification, it cannot be confirmed.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a well-known publication. However, the Daily Mail’s reliability can vary depending on the topic and context.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about espionage activities and the involvement of Russian operatives are plausible given the geopolitical context and similar past incidents. The narrative provides specific details about the methods used by the spy ring, which adds to its plausibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears to be recent and plausible, with specific details about the espionage case. However, the reliability of the source and the lack of verification for the quote reduce the confidence level. Overall, the narrative seems credible but requires additional verification for absolute certainty.
