Bulgarian Spy Ring Convicted in Major Russian Espionage Plot Across Europe
Six individuals, including three recently convicted in London, operated a sophisticated network targeting journalists, military bases, and embassies for Russian intelligence.
- Three Bulgarian nationals were convicted in London for spying on behalf of Russia, with three others having already admitted to espionage charges.
- The group carried out surveillance on investigative journalists, a US military base in Germany, and the Kazakhstan embassy in London, using advanced spy equipment and covert tactics.
- The operation was directed by Jan Marsalek, a fugitive Austrian businessman wanted for a €1.6 billion fraud linked to Wirecard, who allegedly acted as a proxy for Russian intelligence.
- Police uncovered a trove of sophisticated spy gear, including hidden cameras, signal jammers, and fake identity documents, during raids on properties in Great Yarmouth and London.
- The case highlights a growing trend of Russian intelligence outsourcing operations to criminal proxies, reflecting an evolving threat to UK and European security.