Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev faces charges in ongoing investigation into Russian espionage

A sixth individual has been charged in the UK for allegedly engaging in espionage on behalf of Russia, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed. Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 38, from Acton, West London, has been charged with conspiring to obtain, record, and communicate sensitive documents or information intended to harm the safety and interests of the UK state.

Ivanchev, a Bulgarian national, was arrested on February 7th as part of an ongoing investigation led by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in custody on Wednesday.

This charge follows inquiries into a broader investigation that has already led to the arrest of five other individuals. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Counter Terrorism Command, stated, “The arrest of Mr Ivanchev follows extensive investigations stemming from the previous five arrests, and, working with the CPS, a formal charge has now been brought.”

Murphy also reminded the public of the importance of upholding the accused’s right to a fair trial, urging individuals not to share or comment on details that could prejudice the ongoing legal proceedings.

The previously arrested suspects, including three men and two women, face similar charges of conspiring to gather information for the benefit of an enemy between August 2020 and February 2023. The accused are Orlin Roussev, 46, Bizer Dzhambazov, 42, Katrin Ivanova, 32, Ivan Stoyanov, 32, and Vanya Gaberova, 29. They are scheduled for trial in October, with proceedings expected to last up to four months.

Nick Price, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, highlighted that the ongoing criminal cases against these individuals must not be undermined by public reporting or online commentary. Price emphasized that the CPS’s role is not to determine guilt but to ensure fair, independent evaluations for a criminal court’s consideration.