Espionage scandal in London: Ex-Wirecard manager behind Russia agents!

Espionage scandal in London: Ex-Wirecard manager behind Russia agents!

A sensational espionage scandal is shaking Europe: In London, three Bulgarians - Katrin Ivanova (33), Vanya Gaberova (30) and Tihomir Ivanchev (39) - were found guilty of spying for the Russian secret service. According to the PA news agency, British authorities determined that former Wirecard executive Jan Marsalek was behind the spy network, which was active between 2020 and 2023. The impending prison sentences could be up to 14 years. The final sentence will be announced in the coming days.

The three convicts are suspected of having collected information about people and locations that were of interest to Russia. Those monitored included journalists who reported on Russia's role in the nerve agent attacks on the late opposition activist Alexei Navalny and Sergei Skripal. A US military base in Stuttgart, where Ukrainian soldiers are trained, was also the target of espionage activities sueddeutsche.de reported. Marsalek himself, who is suspected of acting as a liaison between the Russian secret service and the defendants, has been on the run in Russia since the Wirecard scandal.

Extent of espionage activities

The espionage extended not only to London, but also to Stuttgart, Vienna, Valencia and even Montenegro, endangering national security interests. The trial revealed impressive evidence, including thousands of text messages, establishing the connections between Marsalek and the defendants. Two other Bulgarians had already pleaded guilty to espionage but did not appear in court. With the conviction of the three agents, the focus now turns to the role of Jan Marsalek, whose arrest remains a target.