A Russian spy involved in a love triangle claimed he had cancer to cover up his ‘double life’ and an affair he was having with another spy, his partner has told a court.
Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, was found by police in bed with a beautician called Vanya Gaberova, 30, when they were arrested at a flat in Euston, north London, in February 2023.
Mr Dzhambazov’s girlfriend, Katrin Ivanova, 33, from Harrow, north London, rented and redecorated the flat her partner used to own, so they could move in, she told the Old Bailey.
He didn’t know anything about the matter until the police told him after their arrest and had even bought the bed they were sleeping on, he added.
Dzhambazov accepts that he was spying on behalf of the Russians, but both women in the love triangle deny the charges.
Ms Ivanova told a jury that she had not questioned her partner when he asked her to go with him to film a US barracks in Stuttgart, Germany because she was “trying not to pressure him”.
Orlin Roussev, who ran a boarding house spy ring in Great Yarmouth, believed that Patch Barracks was used to train Ukrainian troops to operate Patriot missile air defense batteries.
Prosecutors say they were paired up on a surveillance trip for Russian intelligence and planned to return with devices called IMSI Grabbers, which could identify the mobile phone numbers of Ukrainian recruits and attack them upon their return to Ukraine.
National Bizer Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, admitted spying in the UK on behalf of Russia
Mr Dzhambazov was found in bed with a beautician called Vanya Gaberova (pictured), at a flat in Euston, north London, which was raided by police in February 2023
Mr Dzhambazov and Ms Gaberova had their illicit links in the duck rented and redecorated by Mr Dzhambazov’s long-term partner Katrin Ivanova (pictured)
Wearing a black jacket and black T-shirt, Ivanova told the jury: ‘At that moment, Bizer told me that we need to go to Stuttgart and take some photos of the area around the base.
“The base was very close to where my father lived and I was very excited because I could take a little trip across town and see my father because he was living two hours away.”
She “had no idea” about why he might be taking photos and could see a lot of information about the base online, she said.
“I couldn’t see how those images would help Orlin or anyone else,” he added.
Rupert Bowers KC, defending, asked if Dzahmabzov explained why Roussev wanted the images.
“No, the usual answer is ‘for Orlin’ and I’m trying not to push it,” Ivanova said.
‘He was quite anxious when we arrived and he wanted to go to the base. The thought in my head was “What is this all about?” And when I was asking questions, I was getting yelled at.
Ms Ivanova said she wanted to ask “why, how, what is this all about, why are you getting involved?”
A visibly upset Mr. Dzhambazov, carrying two energy drinks, responds: “Why is it necessary to continually comment on such things?” After his partner Katrin Ivanova informs him that they have been seen outside an American barracks in Stuttgart, Germany
The spy ring was allegedly mastered by Orlin Roussev (pictured) from his guest house in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
The Haydee Hotel guest house in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, supposedly used by Orlin Roussev to plot the actions of the spy ring
Referring to a video she had taken outside the barracks, Ms. Ivanova said “You see I was worried at that time.”
In the video, she can be heard saying in Bulgarian: “He was running, they’ve seen us now.”
A visibly upset Mr. Dzhambazov, carrying two energy drinks, replies: “Why is it necessary to continually comment on such things”? To which Ms. Ivanova replies: “Very well, I’m just telling you.”
She added: ‘Since 2021, Bizer told me that he had cancer or brain tumors and that his health was deteriorating and since 2021 every time he went somewhere it was extra money to try to save money in case of something.
‘We were having multiple discussions about his health. As a normal couple living together for more than 10 years, I would expect them to share information with each other, the progress of their health, but that kind of thing didn’t happen. He was very private about that and did not let his guard down.
‘Every time I tried to approach Bizer and ask about his health, I was told I was putting pressure on him and I needed to leave him alone and let him deal with his health on his own.
“If I want to support him, I need to understand my way of supporting him is to not ask any questions.”
In messages to Dzhambazov when he was allegedly seeking medical attention in Bulgaria on October 22, 2021, Ivanova told him: ‘You know you can count on me 100 percent, right? I also want to be part of what the doctor told you.
The three involved in the love triangle are among five Bulgarian nationals charged with spying on Russia at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London. Court artist sketches from left to right: Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, Orlin Roussev, Ivan Stoyanov and Bizer Dzhambazov
A video was played in court showing Mr. Dzhambazov outside an American barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, with his girlfriend Katrin Ivanova, who informs him that they have been spotted by security.
After Mr. Dzhambazov responds sullenly, Ms. Ivanova, who denies being a Russian spy, can be heard saying: “Okay, I’m just telling you.”
‘I know you like to handle difficulties on your own, but that’s why we are together as a family to support each other and help each other.
‘I’ll be happy to talk when you’re ready to find out what’s going on with the man next to me. I love you and I’m waiting for you to call me’ Add kisses and love heart emojis.
Bowers noted that Dzhambazov was still “very much alive” and Ivanova responded: “I think it’s a complete lie. I understand the situation differently now.
“I understand that he was now leading a double life and was in a relationship not only with me but with my co-accused Vanya Gaberova.”
Roussev and Dzhambazov pleaded guilty to charges under the Official Secrets Act. Ivanova, Gaberova and Tihomir Ivanchev deny the charges. All five are Bulgarian nationals with established status in the EU. The trial continues.
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