Overview

• Five Bulgarian nationals are accused of operating a spy ring in the UK, allegedly gathering sensitive information for the Russian state between 2020 and 2023.
• The group reportedly targeted investigative journalists, dissidents, and a US military base, using sophisticated surveillance equipment and false identities.
• Prosecutors claim the ring planned to use female members as 'honeytrap' agents and discussed kidnapping or killing journalist Christo Grozev, known for exposing Russian espionage activities.
• The ring allegedly staged a fake demonstration at the Kazakh Embassy to curry favor with Kazakhstan on behalf of Russia and spied on Ukrainian military training activities in Germany.
• Two defendants have pleaded guilty to espionage, while three others deny the charges; the trial at the Old Bailey continues.