Three Russian spies in UK Parliament attended a Brexit event inside the Palace of Westminster before their espionage network was uncovered, a BBC investigation has revealed. The convicted Bulgarian nationals — Orlin Roussev, Biser Dzhambazov, and Katrin Ivanova — were photographed at a 2016 parliamentary debate, mingling with European political representatives just months before beginning coordinated surveillance operations on behalf of Russian intelligence.
Russian Spy Ring Infiltrated Political Spaces in London
The trio, who were part of a six-person UK-based Russian spy ring, were seen in photos from May 2016 during a Brexit-focused committee room event sponsored by then-MP Lyn Brown, now Baroness Brown of Silvertown. The photographs show the spies seated behind Bulgarian MEP Georgi Pirinski, alongside representatives from Romania, Italy, and UK political circles.
A parliamentary spokesperson said Parliament is a public building with “robust” security procedures, though critics including former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith are calling for a full investigation into possible further infiltrations.
Spy Cell Had Links to Russian Intelligence via Wirecard Fugitive
Orlin Roussev, considered the leader of the spy cell, had already been in contact with Jan Marsalek—an Austrian fugitive accused of fraud in Germany and reportedly now residing in Moscow. UK police uncovered tens of thousands of Telegram messages indicating coordination between Roussev and Marsalek, believed to be an asset of Russia’s intelligence services.
Roussev, a former CTO of a UK-based financial firm, was dismissed in 2012 after embezzling $130,000. He and Dzhambazov later joined the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), using political events and diplomatic roles in the UK to embed themselves within Bulgarian expatriate networks and UK political institutions.
Court Reveals Deep Political Infiltration and Surveillance Targets
At the Old Bailey trial, messages between Dzhambazov and Roussev detailed the former’s political influence within the BSP and involvement in Bulgarian election administration through the embassy. The court also heard how the group targeted Russian dissidents, journalists, and politicians across Europe, operating under direction from Moscow.
All six members of the espionage group — Roussev, Dzhambazov, Ivanova, Ivan Stoyanov, Tihomir Ivanchev, and Vanya Gaberova — have been convicted. They are due to be sentenced this week.
Call for Security Overhaul in Wake of Parliament Access
The event’s organiser, Baroness Brown, stated she had “absolutely no memory” of the spies or the 2016 event. There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by her or any other parliamentary attendees. However, security concerns are resurfacing after earlier incidents, including accusations in 2022 and 2024 of Chinese espionage in Parliament.
Parliament’s spokesperson reiterated that while the building is open to public events, safety remains a top priority and MPs are responsible for guest sponsorship. With intelligence threats rising, MPs and security officials face growing pressure to tighten oversight on access to political institutions.
