BBC: Two More Bulgarians as Russian Spies
- Two Bulgarian women have been identified as part of a purported Russian spy network that allegedly operated across Europe, with the United Kingdom overseeing its operations, according to...
- The women, Tsvetelina Gencheva and Tsvetanka Doncheva, are suspected of involvement in the network.
- This growth follows the conviction of three other Bulgarians earlier this year on charges of espionage for Russia, also allegedly orchestrated by the UK.
Bulgarians Implicated in Alleged Russian Spy Network Operating in Europe
Table of Contents
- Bulgarians Implicated in Alleged Russian Spy Network Operating in Europe
- Bulgarians Implicated in Alleged Russian Spy Network: A Q&A
- Key Questions & Answers Regarding the Alleged Spy Network
- What is the primary allegation against the Bulgarian women?
- What specific activities is Tsvetelina Gencheva accused of?
- What is Tsvetanka Doncheva accused of?
- Where are these alleged activities taking place?
- Are there any formal charges against the women?
- What’s the connection to the UK?
- What’s Doncheva’s involvement with propaganda?
- Key Individuals and Alleged Activities: A Summary
- Legal Status and Investigations
- Key Questions & Answers Regarding the Alleged Spy Network
Published: March 25, 2025
Two Bulgarian women have been identified as part of a purported Russian spy network that allegedly operated across Europe, with the United Kingdom overseeing its operations, according to reports.
The women, Tsvetelina Gencheva and Tsvetanka Doncheva, are suspected of involvement in the network. Doncheva is reportedly based in Vienna.
This growth follows the conviction of three other Bulgarians earlier this year on charges of espionage for Russia, also allegedly orchestrated by the UK.
Details regarding the alleged activities of Gencheva have emerged.
One report indicates that Gencheva, residing in Sofia, utilized her employment within the aviation sector to procure data concerning private flights for individuals of interest to the spy cell.
The report further suggests that these individuals were then surveilled.
Surveillance teams allegedly monitored individuals on these flights to potentially access data from their mobile phones.
Gencheva is also alleged to have been part of a team tasked with monitoring Roman Dobrokhotov in Berlin. She purportedly participated in online dialog groups with Orlin Rusev, Biser Dzhambazov, and Katrin Ivanova, who were previously convicted of espionage in the UK.
Publicly available information indicates Gencheva has a background in ticket sales for tourism companies and is listed as the sole owner of International Aviation Consult, according to Bulgarian company documents.
Sources claim that security services were aware of Gencheva’s alleged connection to the spy network. Though,she has not been formally charged with any crime.
Doncheva, based in Vienna, is accused of assisting in the surveillance of investigative journalist Hristo Grozev. This allegedly involved occupying an apartment near Grozev’s residence and filming him.
Reports suggest Doncheva was also allegedly compensated for conducting an anti-Ukrainian propaganda campaign. This campaign purportedly involved placing stickers, including at the Soviet military memorial in Vienna, designed to portray Ukraine supporters as neo-Nazis.
A photograph reportedly exists showing her wearing a jersey featuring russian President Vladimir Putin and the phrase I read your thoughts.
Earlier, Austrian counterintelligence officials announced that a Bulgarian citizen was suspected of involvement in a russian disinformation campaign targeting german-speaking countries in Europe.
While the individual’s name was not released, authorities indicated a connection to the UK.
Bulgarians Implicated in Alleged Russian Spy Network: A Q&A
Published: March 25, 2025
Key Questions & Answers Regarding the Alleged Spy Network
What is the primary allegation against the Bulgarian women?
The primary allegation is that two Bulgarian women, Tsvetelina Gencheva and Tsvetanka Doncheva, were part of a purported Russian spy network operating in Europe.The United Kingdom is alleged to have overseen the network’s operations.
What specific activities is Tsvetelina Gencheva accused of?
gencheva is alleged to have:
- Used her employment in the aviation sector to obtain data on private flights of individuals of interest to the spy network.
- Participated in the surveillance of these individuals,perhaps to access data from their mobile phones.
- been part of a team monitoring Roman Dobrokhotov in Berlin.
- Participated in online dialog groups with individuals previously convicted of espionage for Russia.
What is Tsvetanka Doncheva accused of?
doncheva is accused of:
- assisting in the surveillance of investigative journalist Hristo Grozev, allegedly involving occupying an apartment near his residence and filming him.
- Being involved in an anti-Ukrainian propaganda campaign.This included placing stickers designed to portray Ukraine supporters as neo-Nazis.
Where are these alleged activities taking place?
The article mentions activities in Sofia (Bulgaria), Vienna (Austria), and Berlin (Germany) as locations relevant to the examination.
Are there any formal charges against the women?
As of the article’s publication date, neither Gencheva nor Doncheva had been formally charged with any crime.
What’s the connection to the UK?
The UK is alleged to have overseen the operation of the spy network. Additionally, the article references earlier convictions of other Bulgarians for espionage for russia, also allegedly orchestrated by the UK. An Austrian announcement indicated a connection to the UK in a related disinformation campaign.
What’s Doncheva’s involvement with propaganda?
Doncheva is alleged to have been compensated for conducting an anti-Ukrainian propaganda campaign,which involved placing stickers designed to portray Ukraine supporters as neo-Nazis. A photograph reportedly exists of her wearing a jersey with Putin and the phrase: “I read yoru thoughts.”
Key Individuals and Alleged Activities: A Summary
| Individual | Location | Alleged Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Tsvetelina Gencheva | Sofia, Bulgaria | Procuring flight data, monitoring individuals, participating in online dialog groups |
| Tsvetanka Doncheva | Vienna, Austria | Surveillance of journalist, conducting anti-Ukrainian propaganda campaign |
Legal Status and Investigations
It is indeed crucial to remember that, at the time of this article’s publication, the individuals mentioned have not been formally charged with any crimes. These allegations are based on reports and investigations. The legal process will determine the accuracy and validity of these claims. further information and updates may emerge as investigations proceed.