Alleged Russian Spy Testifies at Old Bailey Amid Claims of Manipulation and Honeytrap Scheme
Vanya Gaberova, accused of plotting to target journalist Christo Grozev, denies knowledge of espionage intentions at a high-profile trial.
Vanya Gaberova, a 30-year-old beautician, testified at the Old Bailey in London, asserting she was unaware of a purported espionage scheme involving a so-called 'honeytrap' operation targeting journalist Christo Grozev.
Gaberova is accused of being part of a spy ring for the Russian state that operated between 2020 and 2023. In her emotional testimony, she described feeling 'lied to, manipulated, used, and exposed.'
The alleged plot centered around Grozev, a journalist known for his investigation into Russia's involvement in the 2018 Salisbury novichok poisoning.
Prosecutors claim Gaberova befriended Grozev on Facebook intending to surveil him.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that she accompanied fellow accused Biser Dzhambazov, 43, on a trip to Vienna, rented an apartment near Grozev’s residence, and followed him to a conference in Valencia, Spain, organized by investigative journalism group Bellingcat.
The court heard that Dzhambazov's partner, Katrin Ivanova, traveled alongside them.
Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Gaberova, referred to in messages as a 'killer sexy brunette', was in close proximity to Grozev during a breakfast meeting in Valencia with another Bellingcat journalist, Eliot Higgins.
Gabrova testified she had no prior knowledge of a planned romance as part of the operation, including references to a recording for the website Pornhub suggested by Russian spy chief Orlin Roussev and Jan Marsalek, an alleged agent.
Gaberova stated, 'These people had horrible plans for me.'
Roussev had allegedly detailed Gaberova's background, highlighting her beauty salon in London and her social media connections as beneficial for the operation against Grozev.
Gaberova denied knowing Roussev despite messages indicating otherwise, including his Telegram contact saved on her phone under the name 'Jackie Chan'.
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC challenged Gaberova’s claims, presenting her engagement on social media with Grozev, suggesting her behavior resembled that of someone attempting to attract his attention.
Gaberova defended her actions, stating Grozev never engaged with her posts and claimed she was misled by Dzhambazov, who presented himself as working for Interpol.
Dzhambazov and Roussev have admitted to plotting to spy for Russia, while Gaberova, her former boyfriend Tihomir Ivanchev, and Ivanova have denied any involvement in the alleged espionage conspiracy.
The prosecution also presented recordings from interviews with Ivanchev, where he shifted blame onto Gaberova, suggesting she used him as a shield.
The proceedings are ongoing as the court continues to hear evidence surrounding the alleged espionage activities linked to Russian interests.
Gaberova is accused of being part of a spy ring for the Russian state that operated between 2020 and 2023. In her emotional testimony, she described feeling 'lied to, manipulated, used, and exposed.'
The alleged plot centered around Grozev, a journalist known for his investigation into Russia's involvement in the 2018 Salisbury novichok poisoning.
Prosecutors claim Gaberova befriended Grozev on Facebook intending to surveil him.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that she accompanied fellow accused Biser Dzhambazov, 43, on a trip to Vienna, rented an apartment near Grozev’s residence, and followed him to a conference in Valencia, Spain, organized by investigative journalism group Bellingcat.
The court heard that Dzhambazov's partner, Katrin Ivanova, traveled alongside them.
Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Gaberova, referred to in messages as a 'killer sexy brunette', was in close proximity to Grozev during a breakfast meeting in Valencia with another Bellingcat journalist, Eliot Higgins.
Gabrova testified she had no prior knowledge of a planned romance as part of the operation, including references to a recording for the website Pornhub suggested by Russian spy chief Orlin Roussev and Jan Marsalek, an alleged agent.
Gaberova stated, 'These people had horrible plans for me.'
Roussev had allegedly detailed Gaberova's background, highlighting her beauty salon in London and her social media connections as beneficial for the operation against Grozev.
Gaberova denied knowing Roussev despite messages indicating otherwise, including his Telegram contact saved on her phone under the name 'Jackie Chan'.
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC challenged Gaberova’s claims, presenting her engagement on social media with Grozev, suggesting her behavior resembled that of someone attempting to attract his attention.
Gaberova defended her actions, stating Grozev never engaged with her posts and claimed she was misled by Dzhambazov, who presented himself as working for Interpol.
Dzhambazov and Roussev have admitted to plotting to spy for Russia, while Gaberova, her former boyfriend Tihomir Ivanchev, and Ivanova have denied any involvement in the alleged espionage conspiracy.
The prosecution also presented recordings from interviews with Ivanchev, where he shifted blame onto Gaberova, suggesting she used him as a shield.
The proceedings are ongoing as the court continues to hear evidence surrounding the alleged espionage activities linked to Russian interests.
