Vanya Gaberova, a 30-year-old London-based beautician, has told a court that she was tricked into working as a spy, believing she was helping Interpol. She is accused of carrying out surveillance missions across Europe on behalf of Russia but insists she was misled by a man who claimed to be a police officer.
The man, Bizer Dzhambazov, 43, told Gaberova he was part of Interpol’s economic crime unit. He showed her what appeared to be official credentials and convinced her that civilians like her were better at surveillance because they did not attract attention.
Dzhambazov also promised her a future in law enforcement, claiming he could get her into a “police school in Wembley.” Gaberova, who dreamed of becoming a police officer, believed his words without question. However, the court heard that Dzhambazov had no real connection to the police—his only known academic involvement was organizing council-funded English classes for Bulgarian migrants.
Even when her family raised doubts about his claims, Gaberova remained convinced. “Even when I was arrested, I didn’t believe something was wrong,” she told the Old Bailey.
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Following a Journalist Without Question
In August 2021, Gaberova and Dzhambazov became close, and their relationship soon turned romantic. The following month, in September 2021, he took her on a trip to Valencia, Spain. While there, he gave her what prosecutors say was her first espionage task: following Bulgarian investigative journalist Christo Grozev.
Grozev is well known for exposing Russian espionage activities. On September 12, 2021, when he arrived in Valencia by plane, Dzhambazov took Gaberova to the airport car park and asked her to keep an eye out for him. When she spotted Grozev, she followed him in a taxi to his hotel and passed along his location.
Gaberova admitted in court that it seemed odd to be asked to conduct surveillance without any formal training. However, Dzhambazov always had an answer ready. He told her that using ordinary people for surveillance was common because trained officers were easier to detect.
She claimed she never thought her actions were illegal. She believed she was assisting law enforcement and had no idea she was part of a Russian spy ring.
A Web of Lies and Fake Promises
Dzhambazov, a medical courier, went to great lengths to manipulate Gaberova. He even faked a serious illness, telling her he had brain cancer. He sent her a selfie with tissues wrapped around his head, claiming he had just undergone an operation.
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Their relationship became romantic after their trip to Spain. Gaberova said that on the night before her surveillance task, Dzhambazov assured her that he would break up with his long-term girlfriend, Katrin Ivanova, the next day. Believing him, she agreed to be with him.
However, in court, Ivanova testified that her relationship with Dzhambazov continued for another year and a half. Prosecutors claim both women were involved in surveillance at different times, though Gaberova insists she never met Ivanova until after their arrests.
Dzhambazov has already pleaded guilty to spying for Russia. He was part of a spy network run by Orlin Roussev, a man based in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Roussev has also admitted guilt and is accused of working for Jan Marsalek, an Austrian fugitive and known Russian agent.
Gaberova, however, maintains that she was an innocent pawn in Dzhambazov’s scheme. She insists she was misled and had no idea she was involved in espionage.
The trial continues.
