Russian spies plotted a “honeytrap” operation against one of Vladimir Putin’s enemies during three years of covert activity while embedded in the UK, the Old Bailey has heard.Agents living in London carried out surveillance on targets, compiled detailed intelligence reports, and reported to a Russian agent handler, it is said.
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00:00Russian spies were embedded in the UK as part of a three-year intelligence operation on behalf of Vladimir Putin's regime.
00:08The Old Bailey has heard today.
00:10This was a sophisticated operation where members of a spy ring were covertly deployed within the UK and around Europe,
00:20collecting intelligence said to be of benefit to Russia.
00:25Alin Rusev and Biza Zambazov have already admitted their role in the spy ring,
00:31pleading guilty to conspiracy to do espionage on behalf of Russia.
00:36Three others, Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gabarova and Tyomir Ivanchev, deny there the charges against them.
00:46The trial is due to hear explosive evidence about Russian Secret Service operations on UK soil.
00:54It is said that the spy ring was tasked with gathering surveillance on dissidents of Putin's regime,
01:01compiling detailed evidence reports about people's movements and activities.
01:08It is also said that operations were conducted so that Russia could curry favour with the Kazakhstan government.
01:16The charges allege espionage between 2020 and 2023.
01:21It is said that the spy ring was gathering evidence for Russia and against the UK over that three-year period.
01:29The trial continues.