Bulgarian Lab Technician on Trial for Spying on Ukrainian Soldiers in Germany

A Bulgarian Lab Technician on Trial for Espionage

Katrin Ivanova, a 33-year-old lab technician, is on trial at the Old Bailey in London, accused of being part of a Bulgarian spy ring operating on behalf of Russia. Prosecutors allege that Ivanova was tasked with stealing the mobile phone numbers of Ukrainian soldiers training in Germany.

The prosecution claims that Ivanova was the "chief minion" referred to in messages between the ringleader, Orlin Roussev, and a Russian agent, Jan Marsalek. These messages discussed sending someone to Stuttgart to operate an IMSI catcher, a device capable of capturing thousands of nearby phone numbers. Ivanova denies being able to operate such a device and claims she was unaware of the discussions between Roussev and Marsalek.

Further evidence presented by the prosecution includes messages between Ivanova and her partner, Bizer Dzhambazov, who has already pleaded guilty to espionage charges. These messages discuss bringing "the big IMSI" to Roussev's home in Great Yarmouth. Ivanova acknowledges receiving the message but claims it meant nothing to her.

The prosecution also highlighted Ivanova's knowledge of surveillance equipment found in the flat she shared with Dzhambazov, including a spy camera hidden in a Coca-Cola bottle and another in a minion toy. Ivanova admits knowing about the equipment but claims she was unaware of its purpose.

Ivanova maintains her innocence, claiming she was in an abusive relationship with Dzhambazov and was simply following his instructions. She argues that she was unaware of the true purpose of the surveillance operations and was never properly informed. However, the prosecution challenges this account, pointing to evidence of Ivanova's own involvement in the alleged espionage activities.

The trial is ongoing, and the jury will ultimately decide whether Ivanova is guilty of the charges against her.