UK charges three Bulgarians with espionage for Russia in significant security case

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【Summary】Three Bulgarian nationals have been charged with spying for Russia in a major national security case in the UK. The suspects, who do not have formal diplomatic connections, were arrested earlier this year and have been charged with possessing fake identity documents. Pro-Russian sentiments continue to exist in some segments of the Bulgarian electorate, and there have been calls to reform the Bulgarian intelligence services to reduce Russian influence.

FutureCar Staff Aug 15, 2023 10:33 AM PT

UK charges three Bulgarians with espionage for Russia in significant security case

Three Bulgarian nationals have been charged with spying for Russia in the UK, following a major national security investigation that began in February. The suspects, Bizer Dzhambazov, Katrin Ivanova, and Orlin Roussev, have no formal diplomatic connection to either Bulgaria or Russia. Dzhambazov and Ivanova, who are legally married, reside in Harrow, while Roussev was arrested in Great Yarmouth.

The arrests were made by the Counter-Terrorism Command of the Metropolitan Police, who have the authority to work on counterespionage cases. Two other individuals were also arrested at the time but have not been charged or identified. The three suspects have been charged under the United Kingdom's Identity Documents Act for possessing fake passports and identity cards from various countries.

Dzhambazov and Ivanova moved to the UK in 2013 and worked in the healthcare sector. Ivanova was a laboratory assistant, while Dzhambazov worked as a hospital driver. Roussev, on the other hand, moved to the UK in 2009 and worked in the financial services industry. He claims to have previously advised the Ministry of Energy of Bulgaria and owned a private company involved in signals intelligence.

Bulgaria was once a close ally of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Although relations between Bulgaria and Russia have deteriorated in recent years, pro-Russian sentiments still exist among certain segments of the Bulgarian electorate. In June, the leader of Bulgaria's We Continue the Change party proposed reforms to the intelligence services to reduce Russian influence, including integrity and ethical tests for personnel.