Three Bulgarian Nationals Convicted in UK for Espionage on Behalf of Russian Intelligence, Highlighting Extensive Surveillance Operations Across Europe

Three Bulgarian nationals residing in the United Kingdom have been found guilty of espionage on behalf of Russian intelligence. The verdict was delivered by a London jury on Friday, concluding a trial that commenced in November. The individuals, identified as Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, were accused of conducting surveillance activities across Europe from 2020 to 2023, allegedly endangering lives in the process.

Prosecutors described the espionage activities as being conducted on “an industrial scale,” highlighting the extensive nature of the operations. The trio was reportedly acting under orders from Russian intelligence, although they denied any knowledge of the true nature of their assignments. The defendants claimed they were either unaware of who they were working for or had been misled by their superiors.

The case also revealed complex personal dynamics among the accused, with reports of entanglements in sexual relationships with one another or with one of their handlers. Despite these personal connections, the defendants maintained their innocence, asserting that they were not part of any deliberate espionage plot.

The conviction at London’s Central Criminal Court underscores ongoing concerns about espionage activities in Europe and the potential threats posed by foreign intelligence operations. The case has drawn attention to the methods and networks employed by intelligence agencies, as well as the challenges faced by authorities in countering such activities.