LONDON — In a notable case being heard at a London court, three Bulgarian individuals are facing allegations of espionage on behalf of Russia, purportedly conducting surveillance across Europe for nearly three years. The defendants—Katrin Ivanova, 33, Vanya Gaberova, 30, and Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39—were said to be involved in a spy network from 2020 to 2023.

During proceedings at the Central Criminal Court, prosecutors detailed claims that this group conducted extensive surveillance on various individuals and locations of interest to Russian interests. The legal representatives said while much of the alleged spy activity occurred throughout Europe, the operational coordination was centralized in the United Kingdom, where all three defendants resided at the time the offenses were allegedly committed.

Prosecution attorney Alison Morgan asserted, “Between 2020 and 2023 these three defendants together with a number of other people spied for the benefit of Russia.” She emphasized that their actions represented a significant threat to the safety and interests of the United Kingdom, which was inherently clear from the nature of their alleged activities.

Morgan further characterized the individuals as “sophisticated” in executing their surveillance tasks and noted that they received “significant amounts of money” for their efforts.

The defendants, however, have refuted the charge of conspiracy to partake in espionage, which spans from August 30, 2020, to February 8, 2023. Additionally, Ivanova has contested a separate accusation related to the possession of false identity documents intended for improper use.

The trial is set to continue until February, during which time more details about the alleged espionage activities are likely to emerge. Notably, the court also revealed that two other individuals, Orlin Roussev and Biser Dzhambazov, are part of this case as they have already pleaded guilty to charges related to espionage.