Arrests of Alleged Russian Spies in UK

author: FutureCar Staff    

Two men and a woman have been charged with identity document offences in the UK, following accusations that they were spying for Russia, according to a report by the BBC. The individuals, who are Bulgarian nationals, were allegedly working for Russian security services and were arrested as part of a national security investigation. The Metropolitan Police in London confirmed that five people were arrested in February under the Official Secrets Act, and three of them have now been charged with possession of false identity documents with improper intention. The individuals, named as Orlin Roussev, Biser Dzambazov, and Katrin Ivanova, appeared in court in July and are currently in custody.

The police statement did not comment on whether the individuals are suspected of being Russian spies. However, the UK government has been increasingly focused on external security threats and recently passed a new national security law to address espionage and foreign interference. Russia has been labeled as "the most acute threat" to UK security. In addition to this case, the police have also charged three Russians, identified as GRU military intelligence officers, with the attempted murder of former double agent Sergei Skripal in 2018 using the nerve agent Novichok. Two of them were charged in 2018 and the third in 2021.

Last year, the head of Britain's domestic intelligence agency stated that over 400 suspected Russian spies had been expelled from Europe. The UK has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the Russian invasion last year and has imposed various sanctions on Russian officials and oligarchs.

Source: Reuters

FutureCar Staff