Three Bulgarians face trial for alleged espionage activities in London

In London, a trial began regarding three Bulgarian nationals involved in an alleged spy ring for Russia from 2020 to 2023. The defendants, Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, reportedly conducted surveillance across Europe on individuals and locations of interest to Moscow. Prosecutors revealed that their activities were coordinated in the United Kingdom while they resided in London, and they received significant payments for their work. The prosecution argued that these actions posed a clear threat to the safety and interests of the United Kingdom. The three defendants have denied the conspiracy to spy charge, with Ivanova also contesting a charge related to possessing false identity documents for improper purposes. The trial is expected to continue until February, with the court also mentioning two other defendants, Orlin Roussev and Biser Dzhambazov, who have already pleaded guilty to espionage charges. This case underscores ongoing concerns about foreign surveillance and espionage activities within the UK as its security continues to be a priority amid increasing geopolitical tensions.