Explainer
Explainer
Who were the targets of Russian spy ring dubbed ‘the Minions’?
The group were involved in gathering information about prominent individuals but also plotted to kidnap journalists who were critical of the Kremlin, and spied on who they believed were Ukrainian soldiers training at a US base in Germany.
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Fake ID used by Katrin Ivanova and Tihomir Ivanchev who were among six defendants convicted of spying. Pic: CPS
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(L-R) Vanya Gaberova, Katrin Ivanova, and Tihomir Ivanchev. Pics: Duncan Gardham/MPS
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Orlin Roussev. Pic: Met Police
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Biser Dzhambazov wearing a protective vest. Pic: Met Police/PA
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Ivan Stoyanov. Pic: Met Police
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Brian's Kenya![ Pic: CPS Images of two defendants in fake ID seized from Bulgarian gang found guilty of spying for Russia in a huge espionage operation from a guesthouse in Great Yarmouth. Left is Katrin Ivanova, [DOB: 01/07/1991], is of Harrow, north-west London. Right is Tihomir Ivanchev, [DOB: 31/07/1985], is of Acton, west London](https://i0.wp.com/www.nowworldview.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/skynews-katrin-ivanova-tihomir-ivanchev_6849259-85.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
![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_6849187-24.png?w=1170&ssl=1)
