Russian Spy Network Leader Sentenced to 11 Years in UK Prison

The leader of a Russian spy network, which was based in the UK and conducted surveillance activities targeting various individuals, has been sentenced to nearly 11 years in prison by a London court on Monday (May 12, 2025). Orlin Rousseff, 47, pleaded guilty before the trial for spying on behalf of Russia after police uncovered thousands of messages between him and fugitive Yan Marsalek of Wirecard, who directed the team of Bulgarian nationals from abroad. Judge Nicolas Hilliard sentenced Rousseff to 10 years and eight months in prison, emphasizing that his operations posed a significant threat to British national security. Rousseff is one of six Bulgarians convicted for their roles in the network led by Marsalek, which involved monitoring journalists, dissenters, and Ukrainian soldiers training at a military base in Germany. Three members were found guilty in March following a trial, while Rousseff, his deputy Bizer Djabazov, 44, and another accomplice Ivan Stoyanov, 33, admitted guilt last year. Prosecutors stated that the network did not work directly for Russian intelligence services but were primarily motivated by financial gain. The Russian embassy in London did not comment on the case, and the Kremlin continues to deny espionage allegations. Relations between the UK and Russia have deteriorated since the onset of the war in Ukraine, with Britain accusing Moscow of attempting to create ‘chaos’ in Europe. Marsalek’s whereabouts remain unknown, though he is believed to be in Russia.