Three people guilty of spying for Russia from Great Yarmouth seaside guesthouse
The group were dubbed "the Minions", Despicable Me's yellow sidekicks. Instead of a cartoon evil mastermind Gru, the defendants acted as spies working for the Russian intelligence service, also known as GRU.
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Vanya Gaberova. Pic: Duncan Gardham/Metropolitan Police
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Katrin Ivanova. Pic: Duncan Gardham/Metropolitan Police
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Vanya Gaberova and Bizer Dzhambazov in Montenegro in December 2021. Pic: Duncan Gardham/Metropolitan Police
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Bizer Dzhambazov (L) and Orlin Roussev admitted spying charges. Pic: Metropolitan Police
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Tihomir Ivanchev. Pic: Duncan Gardham/Metropolitan Police
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Ivan Stoyanov, known as 'The Rock', pleaded guilty to spying. Pic: Metropolitan Police
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Electronics and spying equipment seized from the guesthouse. Pic: Duncan Gardham/Metropolitan Police
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Katrin Ivanova was also found guilty of having fake passports and ID cards. Pic: CPS
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The guesthouse was packed with electronic surveillance equipment. Pic: Duncan Gardham/Metropolitan Police
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Tihomir Ivanchev was found guilty of conspiracy to spy for Russia. Pic: CPS
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The Haydee Guesthouse in Great Yarmouth was the spy ring's base. Pic: Duncan Gardham/Metropolitan Police
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A Minion soft toy adapted with a camera to be used for spying. Pic: Metropolitan Police
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Minion soft toys were among the items found by police. Pic: PA
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An IMSI grabber, which can capture mobile phone numbers from a nearby area. Pic: Duncan Gardham/Metropolitan Police
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Bizer Dzhambazov previously pleaded guilty to spying offences. Pic: CPS
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![Credit: MPS Ivan Stoyanov, [DOB: 22/12/1991], is of Greenford, west London. On 26 November, 2024, he pleaded guilty to spying, contrary to section 1(1)(c) of the Official Secrets Act 1911.   Ivan Stoyanov, 32, who pleaded guilty to spying charges. He was part of a gang who carried out espionage activity on British and European soil over three years.](https://i0.wp.com/www.nowworldview.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/skynews-ivan-stoyanov-spying_6849187-26.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
