BBC investigation uncovers two Bulgarian spies linked to Russian intelligence network tracking journalists in Europe. Pic/BBC
UK, EPICSTORIAN — A covert network of Russian spies operating across Europe has been exposed, revealing two Bulgarian women who played key roles in tracking journalists and dissidents.
A BBC investigation identified Cvetelina Gencheva and Tsvetanka Doncheva as intelligence operatives working for a Russian-run spy cell.
Russian Spies Used Airline Access to Track Targets
Gencheva, based in Sofia, exploited her access to the airline industry to obtain private flight details of individuals under surveillance, according to the investigation. The spies then booked nearby seats to monitor their targets—sometimes getting close enough to observe PIN codes and passwords being entered on mobile devices.
One of their targets, journalist Roman Dobrokhotov, said his phone’s PIN was identified during one of these operations. Flight records for investigative journalist Christo Grozev were also accessed.
Gencheva was a member of encrypted chat groups used by convicted UK-based spies Orlin Roussev, Biser Dzhambazov, and Katrin Ivanova, where intelligence-sharing took place. When contacted, she refused to comment. However, after being named in the investigation, she altered her social media profiles while continuing to present herself as an airline professional.
Surveillance in Vienna Targeted Journalists
In Vienna, Doncheva operated surveillance on Grozev from an apartment across from his residence. She managed a camera trained on his home and engaged in propaganda efforts aimed at discrediting Ukraine supporters.
The BBC identified Doncheva through digital research and confirmation from Austrian sources. Among those under observation were investigative journalist Anna Thalhammer and senior Austrian officials.
“She was watching high-ranking individuals,” Thalhammer said. “Vienna has become a hub for spies.”
Doncheva was arrested in December but later released. Austrian court documents cited no flight risk or immediate threat, though intelligence sources suggest espionage activities linked to her associates may still be ongoing.
Secret Communications Reveal Espionage Tactics
Nearly 80,000 encrypted messages were recovered between UK-based spy Orlin Roussev and Russian intelligence asset Jan Marsalek. These messages detailed surveillance assignments and even discussed potential abductions.
The group also targeted Ukrainian military personnel believed to be training at a U.S. base in Germany. UK police intercepted the operation in early 2023, leading to convictions for six members of the network.
•Russian Cargo Ship Captain Appears in UK Court After Deadly North Sea Collision
Unlike those sentenced in London, Gencheva and Doncheva have not been charged. Attempts to contact them were met with denial or silence. Investigations suggest additional operatives remain active in multiple countries.
