The defendants deny charges of conspiracy to spy and possession of false identity documents, while two accomplices, Orlin Roussev and Biser Dzhambazov, have pleaded guilty to espionage.

The espionage activities allegedly included following prominent dissidents, conducting surveillance operations, and monitoring a U.S. military base in Stuttgart.

Three Bulgarian nationals—Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev—are currently on trial in London, accused of espionage for Russia from 2020 to 2023.

British prosecutor Alison Morgan stated that the Bulgarian team aimed to gather intelligence beneficial to the Russian state, focusing on various individuals and locations.

The spy ring targeted prominent individuals, particularly dissidents who had fled Russia, to gather information useful to the Kremlin.

The prosecution alleges that the group collected sensitive documents and information detrimental to the UK under the direction of former Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek.

The defendants are accused of using sophisticated surveillance methods, fake identities, and receiving substantial financial compensation for their espionage activities.

The prosecution claims the defendants discussed plans to kidnap or kill opponents of the Russian government, including specific discussions about Christo Grozev.

Evidence indicates that there are approximately 80,000 messages exchanged between Roussev and Marsalek, referencing various Russian intelligence operations.

Upon their arrest, authorities confiscated a significant amount of equipment, including 221 mobile phones and 75 passports, indicating the scale of their operations.

This trial is taking place amid heightened concerns over Russian espionage activities across Europe, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions.

The trial, which was postponed to November 2024 due to additional evidence, is expected to last several months as the prosecution presents its case.