Five Suspected Russian Spies Arrested in UK

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Summary:

  • Five individuals, including a couple, have been arrested in the UK on suspicion of espionage.
  • The couple is accused of possessing false passports and ID cards from various European countries.
  • Former MI6 officer praises the police operation, highlighting its potential deterrence effect.
  • Russia's history of espionage activities in the UK raises concerns about state-sponsored threats.
  • Previous cases of Russian involvement include the Salisbury poisoning and the Litvinenko assassination.


A couple who've lived in the UK for several years are among the five suspects arrested over spying allegations. As well as working here, they've helped fellow Bulgarians settle here.


This was Katrina Ivanova speaking about guiding others on the path to British citizenship. She described herself as a medical lab assistant. This is known about her partner Beza Jambozov. He studied at a London university. Scotland Yard's Counter-Terror Police are investigating the couple over breaches of the Official Secrets Act.

They've not been charged. But they have been charged with possessing false passports and ID cards for several European countries, including the UK. Of the couple's former home in northwest London, neighbours knew little about them. That's the first we've heard of it. We've never heard of a thing before. We haven't seen them. And nothing yet.

We don't really know. Very unobtrusive. You didn't get to know them at all. In Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, police arrested a third man, all in Rusev, again suspected of spying for Russia and charged with the false passport offence. A former MI6 officer praised the police investigation. It's an impressive operation. It will act as a deterrent, I think, for others.

But of course, Russia is effectively at war at the moment. And Russia and Putin will stop at very little to pursue their state objectives, whether it's on the battlefield or in the sort of espionage elements of the areas of the UK and Europe. Five years ago in Salisbury, bungling Russian would-be assassins spread Novichok nerve agent around the town. They tried and nearly succeeded in killing former Moscow intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia. In 2006, Alexander Litvinenko, another former Russian intelligence officer, was fatally poisoned in London. He had defected and became a Putin critic. The charge against the Bulgarians accuses them of possessing 19 false documents from nine European countries, passports, identity cards, residency permits and a driving licence.

Two other suspects are being investigated over the spying allegations. They're on bail until September. Martin Brunt Sky News at Scotland Yard.


The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the extent of the alleged espionage activities and connections. The arrests serve as a reminder of the ongoing intelligence challenges posed by state-sponsored actors.

Location: London, UK

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