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A spy ring – and a love triangle
Mar 14, 2025
Dan Sabbagh, The Guardian’s defence and security editor, and Roman Dobrychotov, editor-in-chief of The Insider, dive into the shocking unraveling of a Russian spy ring in Europe. They discuss bizarre espionage tactics revealed during a police raid, spotlighting the personal relationships intertwined with these covert operations. The conversation also touches on the brutal realities faced by dissenting journalists in exile and the psychological toll of such encounters. Expect an engaging tale of intrigue and resilience against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions.
31:10
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast reveals how a Bulgarian spy ring used advanced surveillance tactics to target investigative journalist Christo Grozev, highlighting Russia's aggressive espionage operations in Europe.
- Personal relationships among operatives, especially Jan Bozov's tangled romantic life, illustrate the chaotic and unprofessional dynamics within the spy ring, complicating their espionage efforts.
Deep dives
Uncovering a Sophisticated Spy Ring
A dramatic police raid in Great Yarmouth uncovered a well-equipped surveillance operation led by Orlin Rusev, a Bulgarian national. Rusev's home was filled with an extensive array of surveillance equipment, including hidden cameras and mobile phones, which were part of a larger Russian spy ring operating within Europe. The investigation revealed over 78,000 communications between Rusev and Jan Marsalek, a notorious Russian spy, providing insight into modern espionage tactics. This raid marked a significant breakthrough in understanding how Russian intelligence operations were being conducted in the UK.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode