Two Russian spies sentenced in Great Britain have returned to Bulgaria after their release

Ivan Stoianov and Vania Gaberova, two of the six Bulgarians sentenced last year for their involvement in a vast Russian espionage operation in Great Britain, recently returned to Bulgaria.

Their legal status after release remains unclear, and the decision has sparked controversy, especially since the journalists targeted by the espionage network, including Hristo Grozev, were not informed about their release. The espionage network, led by Jan Marsalek, former CEO of Wirecard, conducted surveillance operations in Great Britain and Europe, targeting journalists, Russian dissidents, and political figures.

Stoianov was sentenced to five years and three weeks in prison, while Gaberova, a beautician from London, received six years, eight months, and three weeks. Both were eligible for deportation after serving half of their sentences.