An alleged Russian spy broke down in tears as she told a UK court she was “manipulated” into a honeytrap plot that included plans to film pornography targeting an investigative journalist.
Vanya Gaberova, 30, a beautician from Acton, west London, was accused of being part of a Russian espionage ring tasked with surveilling Christo Grozev, a journalist known for exposing Russian agents linked to the 2018 Salisbury nerve agent attack. The Old Bailey heard that Gaberova was described as a “killer sexy brunette” in messages between the group’s UK controller and Moscow-based mastermind Jan Marsalek.
Gaberova insisted she was unaware of any espionage activities, claiming she believed she was working for Interpol after being recruited by Biser Dzhambazov, 43. She testified that she only realized the full extent of the plot after seeing the evidence in court, stating, “These people had horrible plans for me and used me too.”
Messages shown in court revealed that Orlin Roussev, 46, another key figure in the ring, informed Marsalek that Gaberova had successfully drawn Grozev into the trap. Roussev suggested using her to create compromising material for blackmail, saying, “We could definitely record something for Pornhub. The girl is really hot.” Marsalek, however, expressed concern that she might develop feelings for the journalist, recalling past failed honeytrap operations.
Gaberova was in a relationship with Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, a former champion swimmer, before leaving him for Dzhambazov during a surveillance trip to Spain. However, she ended things with Dzhambazov in January 2023 upon discovering he was still involved with his long-term partner, Katrin Ivanova, 33, who is also accused of being a Russian agent. Weeks later, Dzhambazov was found naked in Gaberova’s bed when police raided her flat in central London.
Dzhambazov and Roussev have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to spy for Russia, while Gaberova, Ivanchev, and Ivanova deny the charges. As reported by The Times UK, the trial continues.
