Russia’s ‘outsourced’ Bulgarian spy ring sentenced to more than 50 years in UK

UK authorities sentenced six Bulgarian members of an outsourced Russian spy ring to a combined 50 years for conducting surveillance and influence operations across Europe, allegedly directed by fugitive ex-Wirecard COO Jan Marsalek with suspected GRU/FSB ties. Targets included Ukrainian troops in Germany and Kremlin critics such as Christo Grozev, Roman Dobrokhtov, Bergey Ryskaliyev, and Kirill Kachur, with activities ranging from planned kidnapping to staging a fake protest. Officials highlighted the rise of state outsourced espionage, praised the investigation that prompted guilty pleas, and noted the convicts face potential deportation after parole eligibility.