Russian Espionage Plot Involving Pigs’ Blood and Deep Fakes Unveiled in UK Court

Russian spies devised a bizarre and elaborate plan to drop pigs’ blood on the Kazakhstan embassy in London using drones as part of a staged protest, the Old Bailey has heard. Prosecutors revealed the operation aimed to deceive Kazakh officials and bolster Russia's influence by offering assistance in resolving a fabricated incident.  

The scheme allegedly involved orchestrating protests to smear the Kazakh president Kassym Tokayev. This included plans to implicate him in fake scandals such as deep fake pornography or a "honeytrap" scenario involving his son. Alison Morgan KC, representing the prosecution, stated, “The plan was for demonstrations... to make it look like the Russians were prepared to help Kazakhstan and promote their long-term relationship. The protest is entirely staged, it is all fake.”  

The mastermind behind the operation is said to be Orlin Roussev, 46, who allegedly directed the activities from a guesthouse in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Roussev reportedly communicated with Jan Marsalek, an Austrian fugitive linked to a £1.6 billion fraud. Marsalek proposed the plan in 2022, messaging Roussev with instructions that involved acquiring 100 liters of pig blood. The idea, Marsalek allegedly wrote, was to “film it saying it’s the blood of innocent Kazakh people which the president has on his hands.”  

The group, which Roussev referred to as the “Vampire team,” included several UK-based Bulgarians: Katrin Ivanova, 33, a lab assistant; Vanya Gaberova, 30, a beautician; and Tihomir Ivanchev, 39, a decorator. Roussev and another member, Biser Dzhambazov, 43, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to collect information beneficial to an enemy state. However, Ivanova, Gaberova, and Ivanchev deny the charges.  

Despite the elaborate planning, the alleged plot ultimately fell apart, with no evidence that the fake protest was ever executed. Ms. Morgan added, “All the chat did not lead to the fake protest.”  

The case offers a glimpse into the lengths to which alleged Russian operatives were willing to go to manipulate diplomatic relationships and achieve political influence. The trial continues, with further revelations expected to shed more light on the intricacies of this covert operation.

Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-12-05